[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 143 (Tuesday, July 25, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45705-45706]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-18522]



[[Page 45705]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-151-AD; Amendment 39-11831; AD 2000-15-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-400 series airplanes. This 
action requires a one-time inspection to determine if certain wire 
bundles are routed incorrectly and to detect damage, and corrective 
actions, if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent damage of 
certain wire bundles routed to the fuel tank transfer pumps in the 
horizontal stabilizer, which could result in electrical arcing and a 
possible fire adjacent to the fuel tank. This action is intended to 
address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective August 9, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 9, 2000.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before September 25, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-151-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-151-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    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: Sulmo Mariano, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2686; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received a report indicating 
that, during a flight test in production, the flight crew reported the 
advisory message ``FUEL PMP STAB R'' and the caution message ``FUEL 
STAB XFR'' were displayed on the engine indicating and crew alerting 
system. Inspection revealed that a certain wire bundle routed to the 
fuel tank transfer pumps in the horizontal stabilizer was ``pinched'' 
between the head of a clamp fastener and adjacent structure. Evidence 
of arcing was also detected. Investigation revealed that the wire 
bundle was routed incorrectly through a clamp near the transfer pump. 
This condition, if not corrected, could result in electrical arcing and 
a possible fire adjacent to the fuel tank.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-28A2232, Revision 1, dated June 22, 2000, which describes 
procedures for a one-time visual inspection of wire bundles routed to 
the fuel tank transfer pumps in the horizontal stabilizer to determine 
if wire bundles W4601 and W4602 are routed correctly and to detect 
damage, and corrective action, if necessary. Corrective action includes 
rerouting any wire bundle that is routed incorrectly and repairing any 
damaged wiring. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert 
service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified 
unsafe condition.

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 the same type design, this AD is 
being issued to prevent damage of certain wire bundles routed to the 
fuel tank transfer pumps in the horizontal stabilizer, which could 
result in electrical arcing and a possible fire adjacent to the fuel 
tank. This AD requires accomplishment of the actions specified in the 
alert service bulletin described previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Between This AD and Alert Service Bulletin

    Operators should note that this AD requires accomplishment of the 
inspection within 60 days after the effective date of this AD. The 
alert service bulletin recommends that operators accomplish the actions 
in the bulletin ``at their earliest opportunity when manpower and 
facilities are available.'' In developing an appropriate compliance 
time for this AD, the FAA considered not only the manufacturer's 
recommendation, but the degree of urgency associated with addressing 
the subject unsafe condition, the average utilization of the affected 
fleet, and the time necessary to perform the inspection (less than one 
hour). In light of all of these factors, the FAA finds a 60-day 
compliance time for initiating the required actions to be warranted, in 
that it represents an appropriate interval of time allowable for 
affected airplanes to continue to operate without compromising safety.

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.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a

[[Page 45706]]

request to change the service bulletin reference as two separate 
issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is 
being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    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 2000-NM-151-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct 
effect 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, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2000-15-02  Boeing: Amendment 39-11831. Docket 2000-NM-151-AD.

    Applicability: Model 747-400 series airplanes having line 
numbers (L/N) 1162 through 1223, except L/N 1174; equipped with 
horizontal stabilizer fuel tanks; 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 (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 damage of certain wire bundles routed to the fuel 
tank transfer pumps in the horizontal stabilizer, which could result 
in electrical arcing and a possible fire adjacent to the fuel tank, 
accomplish the following:

One-Time Inspection and Corrective Actions

    (a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time detailed visual inspection of wire bundles routed to the 
fuel tank transfer pumps in the horizontal stabilizer to determine 
if wire bundles W4601 and W4602 are routed correctly and to detect 
damage, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
28A2232, Revision 1, dated June 22, 2000.
    (1) If the wire bundles are routed correctly and no damage is 
detected, no further action is required by this AD.
    (2) If either wire bundle is determined to be incorrectly 
routed, but no damage is detected, prior to further flight, reroute 
the affected wire bundle in accordance with the alert service 
bulletin.
    (3) If any damage is detected (whether the wire bundles are 
routed properly or not), prior to further flight, repair the 
affected wire bundle and route the wire bundle correctly, as 
applicable, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''


    Note 3: Inspections and corrective actions accomplished prior to 
the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-28A2232, dated March 2, 2000, are considered 
acceptable for compliance with the applicable action specified in 
this amendment.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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, 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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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

    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-28A2232, Revision 1, dated June 22, 2000. 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 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.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on August 9, 2000.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 17, 2000.
Vi L. Lipski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-18522 Filed 7-24-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U