[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 229 (Tuesday, November 30, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66756-66758]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-30627]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-122-AD; Amendment 39-11436; AD 99-24-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Model L-1011-385 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes 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 under certain conditions. 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 is prohibited 
under certain conditions. This amendment adds a terminating 
modification for the requirements of the existing AD. This amendment 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 this 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: Effective January 4, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of January 4, 2000.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Lockheed Martin Aircraft & Logistics Center, 120 Orion 
Street, Greenville, South Carolina 29605. This information may be 
examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport 
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 
450, Atlanta, Georgia; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 98-08-09, 
amendment 39-10492 (63 FR 20062, April 23, 1998), which is applicable 
to certain Lockheed Model L-1011-385 series airplanes, was published in 
the Federal Register on July 14, 1999 (64 FR 37920). The action 
proposed to 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. The action also proposed to 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 also proposed to require installation of a modified 
fuel boost pump assembly, which would terminate the requirements of the 
existing AD.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Support for the Proposal

    One commenter supports the proposed rule.

Request to Revise Note 2

    One commenter requests that the FAA revise Note 2 [following 
paragraph (c) of the proposed AD] to read ``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

[[Page 66757]]

January 15, 1999, or Revision 1, dated February 8, 1999, is considered 
acceptable for compliance with paragraph (c) of this AD.'' The 
commenter contends that accomplishment of the modification required by 
Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-093, Revision 1, would be an 
acceptable means of compliance with paragraph (c) of the proposed AD, 
irrespective of whether the modification was accomplished prior to, or 
within 18 months after the effective date of the proposed AD.
    The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request. Operators are 
given credit for work previously performed by means of the phrase in 
the ``Compliance'' section of the AD that states, ``Required as 
indicated, unless accomplished previously.'' The FAA's intent is that 
operators accomplish the requirements of this AD after the effective 
date of this AD in accordance with the latest FAA-approved revision of 
Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-093 (i.e., Revision 1, dated February 
8, 1999). Note 2 gives credit to operators that accomplished the 
modification prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with 
the original version of the service bulletin. Therefore, no change to 
the final rule is necessary.

Explanation of Change Made to Proposal

    Since issuance of the proposed rule, the FAA has become aware that 
Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-093, dated January 15, 1999, which was 
referenced in Note 2 of the proposed AD, was never released by the 
manufacturer. Therefore, the FAA has deleted Note 2 from the final rule 
and renumbered the subsequent notes accordingly.
    The FAA also has added paragraph (d)(2) to the final rule to inform 
operators that alternative methods of compliance, approved previously 
in accordance with AD 98-08-09, amendment 39-10492, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance for this final rule.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously 
described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 235 Model L-1011-385 series airplanes of 
the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 117 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this 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 required in this AD action will 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 will cost approximately $18,880 per airplane. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the modification required 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 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 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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 39-10492 (63 FR 
20062, April 23, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-11436, to read as follows: 
99-24-12  Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company: Amendment 39-11436. 
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)(1) 
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, Amendment 39-10492 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.

[[Page 66758]]

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.
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.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d)(1) 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.
    (d)(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 98-08-09, amendment 39-10492, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

    Note 2: 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) The modification shall be done in accordance with Lockheed 
Service Bulletin 093-28-093, Revision 1, dated February 8, 1999, 
which contains the following list of effective pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Revision level
           Page No.             shown on page      Date shown on page
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-4, 6.......................  Original.......  January 15, 1999.
5............................  1..............  February 8, 1999.
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    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 Lockheed Martin Aircraft & 
Logistics Center, 120 Orion Street, Greenville, South Carolina 
29605. Copies may be inspected 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; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on January 4, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 18, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-30627 Filed 11-29-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P