[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 190 (Tuesday, October 1, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61476-61478]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-24406]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-22-AD; Amendment 39-12892; AD 2002-19-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-200B, -300, -400, -
400D, and -400F 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 Boeing Model 747-200B, -300, -400, -400D, 
and -400F series airplanes; that currently requires repetitive 
inspections to detect cracking of fire extinguisher discharge tubes in 
certain engine struts, and corrective action, if necessary. For certain 
airplanes, that AD also provides for an optional modification of the 
fire extinguisher discharge tubes, which constitutes terminating action 
for the repetitive inspections. This amendment makes the previously 
optional modification of the fire extinguisher discharge tubes 
mandatory for all affected airplanes and adds one airplane to the 
applicability. This amendment is prompted by a report that the check 
tee valve at the top of an engine strut can be damaged such that no 
extinguishing agent can get to the engine. The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent blockage of the check tee valve and 
cracks in the fire extinguisher discharge tubes in the engine struts, 
preventing the fire extinguishing agent from being delivered to the 
engine or reducing the amount delivered to the engine, which could 
permit a fire to spread from the engine to the wing of the airplane.

DATES: Effective November 5, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications, as listed 
in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register 
as of November 5, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of certain other publications, as 
listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of April 25, 2000 (65 FR 18881, April 10, 
2000).

ADDRESSES: 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 Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 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: Technical Information: Sulmo Mariano, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 227-2686; fax (425) 227-1181.
    Other Information: Judy Golder, Airworthiness Directive Technical 
Editor/Writer; telephone (425) 687-4241, fax (425) 227-1232. Questions 
or comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following 
address: [email protected]. Questions or comments sent via the 
Internet as attached electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft 
Word 97 for Windows or ASCII text.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 2000-07-10, 
amendment 39-11664 (65 FR 18881, April 10, 2000); which is applicable 
to certain Boeing Model 747-200B, -300, -400, -400D, and -400F series 
airplanes; was published in the Federal Register on April 3, 2002 (67 
FR 15755). The action proposed to continue to require repetitive 
inspections to detect cracking of fire extinguisher discharge tubes in 
certain engine struts, and corrective action, if necessary. The action 
proposed to require a modification of the fire extinguisher discharge 
tubes, which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections, and also proposed to add one additional airplane to the 
applicability.

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.

Give Credit for Modification Per Original Issue of Service Bulletin

    Several commenters, including the Air Transport Association of 
America (on behalf of its members), request that the FAA revise the 
proposed AD to give credit for modifications accomplished in accordance 
with the original issue of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-26-2233, dated 
May 11, 1995. (Paragraph (b) of the proposed AD refers to Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-26A2233, Revision 1, dated November 16, 2000, as 
the

[[Page 61477]]

appropriate source of service information for modification of the 
routing of the fire extinguishing tubes on Boeing Model 747-400 and 
747-400F series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW4000 
engines.) The commenters note that there are no differences between the 
work instructions of the original issue and Revision 1 of that service 
bulletin.
    The FAA concurs with the commenters' request. We note that 
paragraph (b) of AD 2000-07-10 refers to the original issue of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 747-26-2233 as the appropriate source of service 
information for accomplishment of the optional terminating action in 
that AD. This provision should have been included in the proposed AD. 
Accordingly, we have revised paragraph (b) of this AD to allow 
modification in accordance with either the original issue or Revision 1 
of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-26-2233. Such modification will 
constitute terminating action for Boeing Model 747-400 and 747-400F 
series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines.

Explanation of Change Made to Proposal

    The FAA has changed all references to a ``detailed visual 
inspection'' in the proposed AD to ``detailed inspection'' in this 
final rule.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously described. 
We have 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 268 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. We estimate that 47 airplanes of U.S. registry would 
be affected by this proposed AD.
    The inspections that are currently required by AD 2000-07-10, and 
retained in this AD, 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 inspections on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,820, or $60 per airplane, per 
inspection cycle.
    The new modification required by this AD will take approximately 32 
work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 
per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $5,488 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this new 
requirement on U.S. operators is estimated to be $348,176, or $7,408 
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. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

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.
    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 39-11664 (65 FR 
18881, April 10, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-12892, to read as follows:

2002-19-12 Boeing: Amendment 39-12892. Docket 2001-NM-22-AD. 
Supersedes AD 2000-07-10, Amendment 39-11664.
    Applicability: Model 747-200B, -300, -400, -400D, and -400F 
series airplanes equipped with General Electric CF6-80C2 series 
engines, line number 679 through 1060 inclusive; and Model 747-400 
and 747-400F series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW4000 
engines, line numbers 696 through 1062 inclusive; 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 blockage of the check tee valve and cracks in the 
fire extinguisher discharge tubes in the engine struts, preventing 
the fire extinguishing agent from being delivered to the engine or 
reducing the amount delivered to the engine, which could permit a 
fire to spread from the engine to the wing of the airplane, 
accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2000-07-10:

Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Actions

    (a) For Model 747-200B, -300, -400, -400D, and -400F series 
airplanes equipped with General Electric CF6-80C2 series engines, 
line number 679 through 1060 inclusive; and Model 747-400 and 747-
400F series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines, 
line numbers 696 through 1061 inclusive: Within 30 days after April 
25, 2000 (the effective date of AD 2000-07-10, amendment 39-11664), 
perform a detailed inspection to detect cracking of the fire 
extinguisher discharge tubes in the number 2 and number 3 engine 
struts, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
26A2266, dated March 3, 2000.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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

[[Page 61478]]

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.''

    (1) If no cracking is detected, repeat the inspection thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 18 months.
    (2) If any cracking is detected, prior to further flight, 
replace the cracked tube with a new or serviceable part, in 
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-26A2266, dated 
March 3, 2000. Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of 
this AD within 18 months after the replacement and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 18 months.

New Requirements of This AD

Modification--Airplanes With Pratt & Whitney PW4000 Engines

    (b) For Model 747-400 and 747-400F series airplanes equipped 
with Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines: Within 24 months after the 
effective date of this AD, modify the routing of the fire 
extinguishing tubes between the inboard fire bottles and the inboard 
engines in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-26-2233, 
dated May 11, 1995; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-26A2233, 
Revision 1, dated November 16, 2000. Accomplishment of the 
requirements of this paragraph constitutes terminating action for 
the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD for 
Model 747-400 and 747-400F series airplanes equipped with Pratt & 
Whitney PW4000 engines.

Modification--Airplanes With General Electric CF6-80C2 Series 
Engines

    (c) For 747-200B, -300, -400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes 
equipped with General Electric CF6-80C2 series engines: Within 24 
months after the effective date of this AD, modify the routing of 
the fire extinguishing tubes between the inboard fire bottles and 
the inboard engines in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-26A2267, dated December 20, 2000. Accomplishment of the 
requirements of this paragraph constitutes terminating action for 
the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD for 
Model 747-200B, -300, -400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes 
equipped with General Electric CF6-80C2 engines.

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, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA. 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 3: 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

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  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 actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-26A2266, dated March 3, 2000; Boeing Service 
Bulletin 747-26-2233, dated May 11, 1995, or Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-26A2233, Revision 1, dated November 16, 2000; and 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-26A2267, dated December 20, 2000; 
as applicable.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-26A2233, Revision 1, dated November 16, 2000; and 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-26A2267, dated December 20, 2000; 
is approved by the Director of the Federal Register, in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-26A2266, dated March 3, 2000; and Boeing Service 
Bulletin 747-26-2233, dated May 11, 1995; was approved previously by 
the Director of the Federal Register as of April 25, 2000 (65 FR 
18881, April 10, 2000).
    (3) 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

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 5, 2002.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 19, 2002.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-24406 Filed 9-30-02; 8:45 am]
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