[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 20, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33859-33867]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-11684]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-23803; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-238-AD; 
Amendment 39-15108; AD 2007-13-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 
747-400F Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), which applies to all Boeing Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F 
series airplanes. That AD currently requires revising the airplane 
flight manual (AFM) to require the flightcrew to maintain certain 
minimum fuel levels in the center fuel tanks, and to prohibit the use 
of the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank. This new AD requires installing 
new integrated display system (IDS) software; and also requires 
revising the AFM to include procedures to prevent dry operation of the 
center wing and horizontal stabilizer fuel tanks, for maintaining 
minimum fuel levels, and for de-fueling fuel tanks. For certain 
airplanes, this new AD also requires removing certain program pin 
ground wires of the IDS. This AD results from fuel system reviews 
conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to reduce the 
potential for ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination 
with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and 
consequent loss of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 25, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of July 25, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
    Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207, for service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sulmo Mariano, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
(425) 917-6501; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov 
or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket 
Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is located on the ground 
floor of the West Building at the DOT street address stated in the 
ADDRESSES section.

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that supersedes AD 2002-24-52, amendment 
39-12993 (68 FR 14, January 2, 2003). The existing AD applies to 
certain Boeing Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 8, 2006 (71 
FR 6404). That NPRM proposed to continue to require revising the 
airplane flight manual (AFM) to require the flightcrew to maintain 
certain minimum fuel levels in the center fuel tanks, and to prohibit 
the use of the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank. That NPRM also proposed 
to require installing new integrated display software (IDS) in the 
integrated display units and electronic flight instrument system/engine 
indication and crew alerting system (EICAS) interface units (EIUs) of 
the flight deck. In addition, that NPRM proposed to require revising 
the AFM to include procedures to prevent dry operation of the center 
wing and horizontal stabilizer fuel tanks; for maintaining minimum fuel 
levels; and for de-fueling fuel tanks. For certain airplanes, that NPRM 
also proposed to require removing G13 pin ground wires of a certain 
wire integration unit of the EIUs at certain connector locations.

Comments

    We have considered the following comments on the NPRM.

Request To Supersede Another AD

    Japan Airlines requests that paragraph (b) of the NPRM be revised 
to supersede

[[Page 33860]]

AD 2002-24-51, amendment 39-12992 (68 FR 10, January 2, 2003), in 
addition to AD 2002-24-52. Japan Airlines believes that Boeing Model 
747-400 series airplanes are still subject to the requirements of AD 
2002-24-51.
    We do not agree. This AD supersedes AD 2002-24-52 and affects 
Boeing Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F airplanes identified in 
paragraph (c) of this AD. AD 2002-24-52 superseded (cancelled) the 
requirements of only paragraph (d) of AD 2002-24-51, as indicated in 
paragraph (a) of AD 2002-24-52 (paragraph (f) of this AD). Operators of 
affected airplanes identified in AD 2002-24-51 must comply with the 
remaining applicable requirements of that AD. This new AD retains all 
requirements of AD 2002-24-52. As a result, certain paragraph 
identifiers of AD 2002-24-51 have been changed in this AD. We have made 
no change to the AD in this regard.

Requests To Explain Why Earlier Software Version Is Not Acceptable for 
Compliance

    The Air Transport Association (ATA), on behalf of one of its 
members, Northwest Airlines (NWA), and Japan Airlines request that we 
explain why installation of IDS-504 software is mandatory whereas 
installation of IDS-503 software has not been mandated by any AD. Japan 
Airlines and NWA believe that IDS-503 software is the same as IDS-504 
software for EICAS messaging logic for operating fuel pumps.
    We agree with the commenters' requests to explain why installation 
of IDS-504 software is mandatory. IDS-503 software provides redundant 
indication of impending dry operation of a fuel pump for the center 
wing tank (CWT), but provides indication of fuel pump low pressure for 
only the horizontal stabilizer tank (HST). IDS-504 software provides 
redundant indication to the flightcrew of impending dry operation of a 
fuel pump for both the CWT and HST. As discussed in the NPRM, the 
preamble to AD 2002-24-52 explains that we consider the requirements in 
that AD ``interim action,'' and that we were considering further 
rulemaking. We now have determined that further rulemaking is necessary 
to require installation of IDS-504 software (final action) to address 
the identified unsafe condition, and this AD follows from that 
determination.

Requests To Allow Other IDS Software Versions

    Boeing, Japan Airlines, NWA, and United Airlines request that 
certain IDS software versions (and related service information) other 
than IDS-504 software be acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (h) of the NPRM. The commenters provide the 
following justifications for their requests.
    1. United Airlines, and ATA, on behalf of NWA, state that the FAA 
has previously approved alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 140S-
03-173 to AD 2002-24-52 (reference Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
31A2341, Revision 1, dated November 20, 2003), which installed IDS-503 
software. United and NWA believe the requirements in the NPRM are met 
by incorporating that AMOC. United Airlines and NWA note that Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletins 747-31A2341, Revision 1, and 747-31A2352, 
Revision 1, dated March 17, 2005, state, ``The baseline installation of 
this IDS-504 software (no program pin changes) will provide messaging 
associated with fuel pump operation that is identical to the IDS-503 
messaging.'' Boeing states that the results of a software logic review 
indicate that the alert messaging of the IDS-503 software for the HST 
and CWT is identical to that of the IDS-504 software. Boeing notes that 
it has issued service information for installing IDS-503 software.
    We partially agree. We do not agree with the commenters that IDS-
503 software messages are identical to those of IDS-504 software. We 
have confirmed with Boeing that IDS-504 software contains different 
EICAS messages related to fuel pump operation depending on which 
hardware program pin is connected to an electrical ground. Only one of 
those available configurations provides fuel pump messages identical to 
those of IDS-503 software. In AMOC 140S-03-173, we approved that 
particular configuration as an AMOC to AD 2002-24-52 for active 
monitoring of the fuel quantity for both the CWT and HST, because it 
provided an improvement to the shutoff procedure required by that AD. 
However, we did not consider that AMOC to be acceptable as a final 
configuration. As explained in the ``Requests To Explain Why Earlier 
Software Version Is Not Acceptable for Compliance'' section of this AD, 
we consider the requirements of AD 2002-24-52 to be interim action. 
Installation of IDS-504 software will provide a higher level of safety 
than the interim requirements of AD 2002-24-52, because the flightcrew 
will no longer be required to actively monitor fuel tank quantity to 
determine the appropriate time to shut off the fuel pumps.
    We do agree with the commenters that IDS-503 software should be 
considered acceptable for compliance with the requirements in paragraph 
(h), but only for affected airplanes not equipped with an HST. 
Therefore, we have added new paragraph (j) to this AD (and redesignated 
subsequent paragraphs) to include that provision. In addition, we have 
revised ``new IDS software'' to ``new IDS-504 software'' in paragraphs 
(h) and (i) of this AD to clarify which software version those 
paragraphs are referring to and to distinguish that software version 
from the other software version specified in new paragraph (j).
    2. Boeing and United Airlines state that the alert messaging of 
IDS-505 (delivered in production only) and IDS-506 software for the HST 
and CWT is identical to that of IDS-504 software. Boeing notes that no 
service information is available for installation of IDS-505 software, 
and that the service bulletins for installing IDS-506 software have not 
yet been released. Japan Airlines notes that IDS-505 and -506 software 
have been already released, and that it would need to request an AMOC 
to the requirements of the NPRM.
    We agree with the commenters that IDS-505 software installed during 
production of the airplane and IDS-506 software installed either during 
production of the airplane or in service are acceptable substitutes for 
IDS-504 software. As noted by Boeing, there is no service information 
for installation of IDS-505 software (IDS-505 software is being 
installed only during production). Since Boeing submitted its NPRM 
comments, it has issued and we have approved the service bulletins in 
the following table for installing IDS-506 software as an acceptable 
method of compliance with the requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD:

    Table.--Acceptable Service Bulletins for Installation of IDS-506
                                Software
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Boeing service bulletin--                   For model--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
747-31-2376, dated September 5, 2006...  747-400, -400D, and -400F
                                          series airplanes.
747-31-2377, dated September 5, 2006...  747-400 and -400F series
                                          airplanes.

[[Page 33861]]

 
747-31-2378, dated September 5, 2006...  747-400 and -400F series
                                          airplanes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Each of these service bulletins refers to Rockwell Collins Service 
Bulletins IDS-7000-31-52, IDS-7000-31-53, and IDS-7000-31-54, as 
applicable; all dated August 30, 2006; as applicable; as an additional 
source of service information for installing the IDS-506 software. 
Therefore, we have added new paragraph (k) to this AD (and redesignated 
subsequent paragraphs) that allows either installing IDS-505 in 
production or IDS-506 software in production or in service as an 
acceptable method of compliance with the requirements of paragraph (h). 
We also have included new Note 3, which provides information about the 
Rockwell Collins service bulletins identified previously. In addition, 
we have revised paragraph (i) of this AD to allow installing IDS-504 
software ``during production of the airplane'' as an acceptable method 
of compliance with the requirements of paragraph (h).

Request To Revise Compliance Time for Installing New IDS Software

    Boeing requests that the compliance time in paragraph (h) of the 
NPRM for installing new IDS software be revised from 6 months to 12 
months. Boeing cites several reasons for their request (develop 
internal engineering, acquire necessary parts, accomplish the change 
without creating flight schedule interruptions, etc.).
    We do not agree. In developing an appropriate compliance time for 
installing new IDS software, we considered the safety implications and 
the practical aspect of accomplishing the installation within a period 
of time that corresponds to the normal scheduled maintenance for most 
affected operators. In addition, we considered the facts that the 
installation takes three work hours, parts (software diskettes) are 
readily available and easily transportable, and many of the 
approximately 520 affected airplanes worldwide have already been 
modified. Furthermore, during development of the NPRM, we had several 
meetings with Boeing to determine the appropriate compliance time. In 
consideration of these items, we have determined that a 6-month 
compliance time will ensure an acceptable level of safety and allow the 
installation to be done during scheduled maintenance intervals for most 
affected operators. We have made no change to the AD in this regard.

Request To Revise Requirements for Removing Pin Ground Wires of the FR-
HiTemp Fuel Pumps

    Boeing requests that the fourth paragraph of the ``FAA's 
Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD'' section of the NPRM 
be revised for clarification purposes. Boeing suggests removing the 
wording that parallels the procedures specified in Boeing Service 
Bulletin 747-28-2258, Revision 1, dated August 11, 2005, for 
identification and location of the ground wire, and in Boeing Standard 
Wiring Practices Manual (SWPM) 20-72-18 for removal of the ground 
wires. (Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2258 describes procedures for 
installing FR-HiTemp fuel pumps.)
    We partially agree. We do not agree with Boeing's suggestion to 
refer to Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2258, Revision 1, and Boeing 
SWPM 20-72-18, as appropriate sources of service information for 
accomplishing the wire removal specified in paragraph (l) of this AD 
(paragraph (j) of the NPRM). We acknowledge that Boeing Service 
Bulletin 747-28-2258 contains procedures for identification and 
location of the ground wire to be removed; however, it does not contain 
procedures for removing the ground wires. SWPMs are not FAA-approved, 
and the procedures specified in the SWPMs vary from operator to 
operator. There is no assurance that each operator's SWPM contains the 
identical actions specified in paragraph (l).
    In addition, it is essential that we have feedback as to the type 
of removals being made. Given that possible new relevant issues might 
be revealed during this process, it is imperative that we have such 
feedback. Only by reviewing removal approvals can we be assured of this 
feedback and of the adequacy of the removal methods. Since the Manager 
of the Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) is accountable for 
the primary oversight of the actions regarding this AD, it is 
appropriate that he be this single point of approval. His involvement, 
therefore, is warranted in the development and approval of removing pin 
ground wires.
    We do agree with Boeing that the actions related to removing pin 
ground wires in the preamble and in paragraph (l) need to be clarified. 
We have revised paragraph (l) accordingly. The ``FAA's Determination 
and Requirements of the Proposed AD'' section of the NPRM does not 
reappear in the AD.
    As a result of this change to paragraph (l), we also have revised 
paragraph (m) of this AD and added a new paragraph (n) to the AD. These 
changes clarify that, for airplanes equipped with FR-HiTemp fuel pumps, 
the concurrent AFM revision requirements of paragraph (m) must be done 
only after removing the pin ground wires in accordance with paragraph 
(l).
    In addition, we have determined that the compliance time of 
``before further flight after installing the new IDS software required 
by paragraph (h) of this AD'' specified in paragraph (j) of the NPRM 
(paragraph (l) of the final rule) can be extended somewhat. We intended 
to require the removal of pin ground wires at a time that would 
coincide with regularly scheduled maintenance visits for the majority 
of the affected fleet, when the airplanes would be located at a base 
where special equipment and trained personnel would be readily 
available, if necessary. We now recognize that a compliance time of 
``after installing the new IDS-504 software required by paragraph (h) 
of this AD and within 6 months after the effective date of this AD'' 
corresponds more closely to the interval representative of most of the 
affected operators' normal maintenance schedules. We have revised 
paragraph (l) accordingly. We do not consider that this extension will 
adversely affect safety.

Request To Refer to a Later Revision of Referenced Service Bulletin

    Japan Airlines requests that the NPRM be revised to refer to 
Revision 2 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-31A2351 when Boeing 
issues it. Japan Airlines notes that the NPRM refers to Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-31A2351, Revision 1, dated March 17, 2005, as an 
appropriate source of service information for installing new IDS-504 
software. Japan Airlines states that Revision 1 of the service bulletin 
contains a typographical error, and that Boeing is planning to revise 
it.
    We acknowledge that there is a typographical error in Revision 1 of 
the service bulletin. However, the error does not compromise the 
actions described in the service bulletin. In addition, Boeing has 
informed us that the release date of

[[Page 33862]]

Revision 2 of the service bulletin is unknown. We do not consider that 
delaying this action until after the release of the manufacturer's 
planned service bulletin is warranted. Therefore, we have made no 
change to the AD in this regard.

Request To Allow Previously Approved AMOCs

    British Airways (BA) requests that AMOCs 140S-03-319 (which allows 
installation of FR-HiTEMP fuel pumps) and 140S-04-31 (which allows 
installation of FR-HiTEMP fuel pumps in accordance with Boeing Service 
Bulletin 747-28-2258), previously approved in accordance with certain 
ADs, continue to be approved as AMOCs for the proposed requirements of 
the NPRM. BA states that the NPRM just consolidates the various 
existing ADs into one AD and does not address any new unsafe condition. 
Therefore, BA contends that the existing AMOCs still fully mitigate the 
NPRM.
    BA states that the only new safety feature of the NPRM is the 
integrated display flight deck messages, which are triggered by low 
fuel pressure signals from existing pressure switches. BA also states 
that the pressure switch indication can flicker for minutes before a 
stable condition occurs, which could cause a flight deck indication 
delay before a latched message is set for the flightcrew to act on. BA 
adds that a fuel pump will have numerous re-prime (wet/vapor) cycles 
before it is shut down during low-pressure instability, possibly 
causing a fuel pump to run dry. BA states that there are other single 
failures, such as software errors, fuel pressure switches not operating 
properly, and flightcrew delays responding to flight deck messages, 
that add to the possibility of the fuel pump running dry for unknown 
periods of time. Finally, BA asserts that the continued safe operation 
of an airplane equipped with FR-HiTEMP fuel pumps does not depend on 
the knowledge of low-pressure messages or the accuracy of those 
messages.
    We do not agree with BA's conclusion that the installation of FR-
HiTEMP fuel pumps satisfies the requirements of this AD. We have 
determined that installing FR-HiTEMP fuel pumps alone does not make the 
pumping system compliant with the requirements of 14 CFR part 25 and 
does not adequately address the unsafe conditions identified from the 
SFAR 88 review. More work is necessary for airplanes equipped with FR-
HiTEMP fuel pumps. As specified in paragraph (l) of the AD, for 
airplanes on which FR-HiTEMP fuel pumps have been incorporated in 
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2258, dated December 19, 
2003, or Revision 1, dated August 11, 2005, G13 pin ground wires must 
be removed after installing the new IDS-504 software in accordance with 
paragraph (h) of this AD. This will correctly configure the EIU for wet 
shutoff messaging.
    We find that BA might misunderstand the operation of the fuel pump 
indications specified in this AD, and that clarification is necessary. 
The primary indication to the flightcrew that the fuel pumps should be 
shut off is the low-fuel advisory message, which is driven by the fuel 
quantity indication system (FQIS). The flightcrew is trained to shut 
off the pump when that message appears. If the flightcrew fails to shut 
off the pump at that time, approximately 30 seconds to 2 minutes later 
(depending on the pump position, fuel flow, and the airplane attitude), 
a caution level pump low pressure message and aural warning are 
triggered. This second message is driven by a pump outlet low pressure 
switch. We have determined that this redundant message scheme and the 
associated flightcrew procedures provide an acceptable level of safety 
by ensuring that dry operation of fuel pumps for a period long enough 
to create a fuel tank ignition risk will not occur.
    In addition, we recognize that fuel pressure switch failures are 
possible. We have determined there is adequate redundancy in the FQIS 
and adequate procedures and flightcrew training to ensure that dry 
operation of fuel pumps for a period long enough to create a fuel tank 
ignition risk will not occur. We also recognize that there is always 
some potential for error in the software development process, but we 
have determined that the industry standard for software development and 
certification process, which is used by Boeing and its suppliers, 
provides an appropriate level of software design assurance for these 
display functions.

Request To Add Airplanes to Paragraph (j) of the NPRM

    Japan Airlines requests that we revise the first sentence in 
paragraph (j) of the NPRM (redesignated as paragraph (l) in the AD) to 
include airplanes on which FR-HiTEMP fuel pumps were incorporated in 
production. Japan Airlines states that some of their airplanes had FR-
HiTEMP fuel pumps installed in production, and that Boeing Service 
Bulletin 747-28-2258, dated December 19, 2003; or Revision 1, dated 
August 11, 2005; does not apply to those airplanes. The commenter 
contends that the G13 pin ground wires can be removed in accordance 
with Part 10 through Part 28 of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2258, 
Revision 1, when EICAS messaging logic for fuel pump operation is 
desired due to low pressure indication (i.e., when the operator decides 
to do the removal).
    We partially agree. We agree with Japan Airlines that the removal 
specified in paragraph (l) of this AD must be done on airplanes on 
which FR-HiTEMP fuel pumps were incorporated in production. However, we 
do not agree with Japan Airlines that the removal specified in 
paragraph (l) can be done at a time convenient to operators. We have 
determined that installing FR-HiTEMP fuel pumps alone does not make the 
pumping system compliant with the requirements of 14 CFR part 25 and 
does not adequately address the unsafe conditions identified from the 
SFAR 88 review. Further, as discussed previously, we acknowledge that 
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2258, Revision 1, contains procedures 
for identification and location of the ground wire to be removed; 
however, it does not contain procedures for removing the ground wires. 
Therefore, we have revised paragraph (l) to include airplanes on which 
FR-HiTEMP fuel pumps have been incorporated in production.

Requests To Revise Certification Limitations

    Boeing requests that the following Certification Limitations of 
paragraph (k) of the NPRM (redesignated as paragraph (m) in the AD) be 
deleted:
    1. ``The CWT must contain a minimum of 17,000 pounds (7,700 
kilograms) prior to engine start, if the CWT override/jettison pumps 
are to be selected ON during takeoff.'' Boeing states that installing 
the new IDS software in accordance with the NPRM provides the 
appropriate messaging for this operation. Boeing also states that this 
operation (i.e., managing the fuel quantity of each tank to ensure that 
the fuel pumps are not running dry) is now part of the basic flightcrew 
training. In addition, Boeing states that the IDS logic provides for a 
higher wet shut-off level (7,000 pounds) if that fuel quantity is 
reached and climb attitude is detected (greater than 5 degrees).
    We agree. We have determined that incorporating the new IDS 
software provides messaging to the flightcrew indicating that the fuel 
pumps must be OFF at takeoff if the fuel quantity is less than 17,000 
pounds and if the fuel pumps are selected ON. Therefore, the limitation 
``The CWT must contain a minimum of 17,000 pounds (7,700 kilograms) 
prior to engine start, if the CWT override/jettison pumps are to be

[[Page 33863]]

selected ON during takeoff'' specified in paragraph (k) of the NPRM is 
no longer necessary. We have revised paragraph (m) of this AD 
accordingly.
    2. ``Center Wing Tank (CWT): The CWT fuel quantity indication 
system must be operative to dispatch with CWT mission fuel,'' and ``The 
HST fuel quantity indication system must be operative to dispatch with 
HST mission fuel.'' Boeing states that the Master Minimum Equipment 
List (MMEL) addresses operations with inoperative equipment, and that 
it was revised in 2003 to address this issue.
    We do not agree. The results of the system safety analysis 
performed during the SFAR 88 review to show compliance with 14 CFR part 
25 requirements concluded that the indications driven by the FQIS 
signals are required for safe operation. Operation with the FQIS 
inoperative would revert the fuel pump indications to a configuration 
similar to the existing configuration, which has been found non-
compliant with 14 CFR part 25 requirements. The existing MMEL will be 
revised to delete the FQIS relief for the CWT and HST. Until that 
revision occurs, the requirements of this AD would apply and prevail 
over the MMEL. We have made no change to the AD in this regard.
    Japan Airlines requests that the Certification Limitations of 
paragraph (k) of the NPRM (redesignated as paragraph (m) in the AD) be 
revised as follows:
    1. Either add a statement that there is no minimum requirement for 
the fuel quantity in the CWT, if the CWT override/jettison fuel pumps 
are OFF at takeoff, or clarify paragraph (k) in this regard. Japan 
Airlines notes that the Certification Limitations, in part, states, 
``The [CWT] must contain a minimum of 17,000 pounds prior to engine 
start, if the CWT override/jettison pumps are to be selected ON during 
takeoff.''
    We partially agree. We agree with Japan Airlines's understanding of 
the intent of the Certification Limitations of paragraph (m) of this 
AD. As discussed previously, we have determined that the limitation 
``The CWT must contain a minimum of 17,000 pounds (7,700 kilograms) 
prior to engine start, if the CWT override/jettison pumps are to be 
selected ON during takeoff'' specified in paragraph (k) of the NPRM is 
no longer necessary and have revised paragraph (m) of this AD 
accordingly.
    2. Add the following:
     ``Note: In a low fuel situation, both CWT override/
jettison pumps may be selected ON and all CWT fuel may be used''; and
     ``Note: In a low fuel situation, both HST transfer pumps 
may be selected ON and all HST fuel may be used.''
    Japan Airlines notes that according to AMOC 140S-03-173, these 
notes have been established.
    We agree and have revised paragraph (m) of this AD accordingly.
    3. Revise a typographical error from ``FUEL LOW STAB L OR R'' to 
``FUEL LO STAB L OR R.''
    We agree and have revised paragraph (m) of this AD accordingly.
    4. Add the following: ``Warning: Do not cycle CWT and HST pump 
switches from ON to OFF to ON with any continuous low pressure 
indication present.'' Japan Airlines states that according to AMOC 
140S-03-173, this warning has been established.
    We agree and have revised paragraph (m) of this AD accordingly.
    5. Revise the phrase ``defueling any fuels tanks'' to ``defueling 
any fuel tanks or transferring between tanks.'' Japan Airlines states 
that according to AMOC 140S-03-173, the defueling requirements in AD 
2002-24-52 apply for defueling or transferring between tanks.
    We partially agree. We agree with Japan Airlines that paragraph (m) 
needs to be revised to address any fuel pump that might run dry during 
fuel transfer. However, we have revised paragraph (m) in a different 
manner than suggested by Japan Airlines. We added a sentence at the end 
of the Certification Limitations in paragraph (m) that reads, ``The 
above requirements apply for defueling or transferring between tanks.''

Request To Require Prior or Concurrent Requirements

    NWA believes that we may be mandating a prerequisite modification 
for the anticipated modification of the fuel system auto shutoff. NWA 
requests that this be done by requiring the service bulletins 
identified in Table 2 of the NPRM as prior or concurrent requirements 
to an AD that also mandates the auto shutoff modification.
    We do not agree. We have no plans at this time to mandate a 
modification of the auto shutoff for either the CWT or HST. We have 
made no change to this AD in this regard.

Request To Change Paragraph Identifiers

    NWA states that the table in the ``Change to Existing AD'' section 
of the NPRM contains incorrect paragraph references. NWA states that 
the requirement of AD 2002-24-52 paragraph (a) corresponds to paragraph 
(f) in the NPRM, not paragraph (g). NWA also states that the 
requirement in AD 2002-24-52 paragraph (b) corresponds to paragraph (g) 
in the NPRM, not paragraph (h).
    We infer that NWA is requesting that the ``Change to Existing AD'' 
section be corrected. We partially agree. We agree that there is an 
error in that section. However, that section does not reappear in this 
AD. Therefore, we have made no change to this AD in this regard.

Explanation of Change to Costs of Compliance

    After the NPRM was issued, we reviewed the figures we have used 
over the past several years to calculate AD costs to operators. To 
account for various inflationary costs in the airline industry, we find 
it necessary to increase the labor rate used in these calculations from 
$65 per work hour to $80 per work hour. The cost impact information, 
below, reflects this increase in the specified hourly labor rate.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments that have been received, and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described 
previously. We have determined that these changes will neither increase 
the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 520 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for 
U.S. operators to comply with this AD.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                          Number of U.S.-
                Action                    Work hours     Average labor           Parts              Cost per airplane       registered      Fleet cost
                                                         rate per hour                                                       airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFM revision (required by AD 2002-24-                1             $80  None..................  $80.....................             101          $8,080
 52).

[[Page 33864]]

 
Installation of new IDS software (new                3              80  100...................  340.....................             101          34,340
 action).
Removal of G-13 pin ground wires (new                1              80  None..................  80 if an affected                      0               0
 action).                                                                                        airplane is imported
                                                                                                 and placed on the U.S.
                                                                                                 Register in the future.
AFM revision (new action).............               1              80  None..................  80......................             101           8,080
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
removing amendment 39-12993 (68 FR 14, January 2, 2003) and by adding 
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2007-13-04 Boeing: Amendment 39-15108. Docket No. FAA-2006-23803; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-238-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective July 25, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2002-24-52. In addition, after 
accomplishing the requirements of paragraphs (h) and (m) of this AD, 
the airplane flight manual (AFM) requirements specified in Table 1 
of this AD may be removed.

                         Table 1.--Affected ADs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         AFM requirements of--                         Of--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Paragraph (a)......................  AD 2001-12-21, amendment 39-
                                          12277.
(2) Paragraph (a)......................  AD 2001-21-07, amendment 39-
                                          12478.
(3) Paragraph (c)......................  AD 2002-19-52, amendment 39-
                                          12900.
(4) Paragraphs (f) and (g).............  This AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to airplanes identified in Table 2 of this 
AD, certificated in any category.

                         Table 2.--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          As identified in Boeing Alert
             Boeing model--                     Service Bulletin--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F      747-31A2351, Revision 1, dated
 series airplanes.                        March 17, 2005.
(2) 747-400 and 747-400F series          747-31A2350, Revision 1, dated
 airplanes.                               March 17, 2005.
(3) 747-400 and 747-400F series          747-31A2352, Revision 1, dated
 airplanes.                               March 17, 2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 33865]]

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to reduce the potential for 
ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with 
flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and 
consequent loss of the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2002-24-52

Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    (f) Within 4 days after receipt of emergency AD 2002-24-51, 
instead of complying with the requirements of paragraph (d) of AD 
2002-24-51, revise the Limitations section of the AFM to include the 
following (this may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD 
into the AFM):

``CERTIFICATE LIMITATIONS

    Fueling and use of the horizontal stabilizer tank (if installed) 
is prohibited.
    The center wing tank (CWT) must contain a minimum of 17,000 
pounds (7,700 kilograms) prior to engine start, if the CWT override/
jettison pumps are to be selected ON during flight.
    The CWT fuel quantity indication system must be operative to 
dispatch with CWT mission fuel.
    Both CWT override/jettison pump switches must be selected OFF at 
or before CWT fuel quantity reaches 7,000 pounds (3,200 kilograms), 
if CWT fuel quantity is less than 50,000 pounds (22,700 kilograms) 
prior to engine start. The CWT override pumps may be selected ON 
during stabilized cruise conditions. Both CWT override/jettison pump 
switches must be selected OFF at or before the CWT fuel quantity 
reaches 3,000 pounds (1,400 kilograms).

Note

    With CWT override/jettison pumps selected OFF and CWT fuel 
quantity greater than 6,000 pounds (2,800 kilograms), the FUEL OVRD 
CTR L & R EICAS messages will be displayed. Do not accomplish the 
associated non-normal procedure.
    Both CWT override/jettison pump switches must be selected OFF at 
or before CWT fuel quantity reaches 3,000 pounds (1,400 kilograms), 
if CWT fuel quantity is greater than or equal to 50,000 pounds 
(22,700 kilograms) prior to engine start.
    Both CWT override/jettison pumps must be selected OFF when 
either CWT override/jettison fuel pump low pressure light 
illuminates.

Warning

    Do not reset a tripped fuel pump circuit breaker.

Warning

    Do not cycle CWT override/jettison pump switches from ON to OFF 
to ON with any continuous low pressure indication present.

Note

    The center wing tank may be emptied normally during an emergency 
fuel jettison.

Note

    In a low fuel situation, both CWT override/jettison pumps may be 
selected ON and all CWT fuel may be used.
    If a center wing tank pump fails with fuel in the center tank, 
accomplish the FUEL OVRD CTR L, R non-normal procedure.
    If the main tanks are not full, the zero fuel gross weight of 
the airplane plus the weight of CWT tank fuel may exceed the maximum 
zero fuel gross weight by up to 7,000 pounds (3,200 kilograms) for 
takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, and landing, provided that the 
effects of balance (CG) have been considered.
    When defueling any fuel tanks, the Fuel Pump Low Pressure 
indication lights must be monitored and the fuel pumps positioned to 
OFF at the first indication of fuel pump low pressure. Defueling 
with passengers on board is prohibited.
    The limitations contained in this AD supersede any conflicting 
basic airplane flight manual limitations.''
    (g) If an operator has already complied with AD 2002-24-51, it 
can comply with paragraph (f) of this AD by deleting the phrase ``if 
a placard prohibiting its use is installed'' from the first 
paragraph of the AFM revision required by paragraph (d) of AD 2002-
24-51.

New Actions Required by This AD

Installation of New Integrated Display System (IDS) Software

    (h) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, install 
new IDS-504 software in the integrated display units and electronic 
flight instrument system/engine indication and crew alerting system 
interface units of the flight deck, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
identified in Table 3 of this AD.

                Table 3.--Revision 1 of Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Boeing alert service bulletin--
              For model--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F      747-31A2351, Revision 1, dated
 series airplanes.                        March 17, 2005.
(2) 747-400 and 747-400F series          747-31A2350, Revision 1, dated
 airplanes.                               March 17, 2005.
(3) 747-400 and 747-400F series          747-31A2352, Revision 1, dated
 airplanes.                               March 17, 2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: Each service bulletin identified in Table 3 of this AD 
refers to Rockwell Collins Service Bulletin IDS-7000-31-49, IDS-
7000-31-50, or IDS-7000-31-51; all dated June 28, 2004; as 
applicable; as an additional source of service information for 
installing the new IDS software.

    (i) Installing new IDS-504 software before the effective date of 
this AD, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin 
identified in Table 4 of this AD or during production of the 
airplane, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of 
paragraph (h) of this AD.

  Table 4.--Original Service Bulletins for Installing IDS-504 Software
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Boeing alert service bulletin--
              For model--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F      747-31A2351, dated September 3,
 series airplanes.                        2004.
(2) 747-400 and 747-400F series          747-31A2350, dated September 3,
 airplanes.                               2004.
(3) 747-400 and 747-400F series          747-31A2352, dated September 3,
 airplanes.                               2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (j) For airplanes not equipped with an HST: Installing IDS-503 
software before the effective date of this AD, in accordance with 
the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 5 of this AD, is 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (h) of 
this AD.

[[Page 33866]]



   Table 5.--Acceptable Service Bulletins for Installation of IDS-503
                                Software
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Boeing alert service bulletin--
              For model--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) 747-400, -400D, and -400F series     747-31A2340, Revision 1, dated
 airplanes.                               November 20, 2003.
(2) 747-400 and -400F series airplanes.  747-31A2341, Revision 1, dated
                                          November 20, 2003.
(3) 747-400 and -400F series airplanes.  747-31A2342, Revision 1, dated
                                          November 20, 2003.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 2: Each service bulletin identified in Table 5 of this AD 
refers to Rockwell Collins Service Bulletin IDS-7000-31-46, IDS-
7000-31-47, or IDS-7000-31-48; all dated April 22, 2003; as 
applicable; as an additional source of service information for 
installing the IDS-503 software.

    (k) Installing IDS-505 or IDS-506 software during production of 
the airplane is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of 
paragraph (h) of this AD. Also, installing IDS-506 software as a 
retrofit in accordance with the applicable service bulletin 
identified in Table 6 of this AD, is acceptable for compliance with 
the requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD.

   Table 6.--Acceptable Service Bulletins for Installation of IDS-506
                                Software
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              For model--                   Boeing service bulletin--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) 747-400, -400D, and -400F series     747-31-2376, dated September 5,
 airplanes.                               2006.
(2) 747-400 and -400F series airplanes.  747-31-2377, dated September 5,
                                          2006.
(3) 747-400 and -400F series airplanes.  747-31-2378, dated September 5,
                                          2006.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 3: Each service bulletin identified in Table 6 of this AD 
refers to Rockwell Collins Service Bulletin IDS-7000-31-52, IDS-
7000-31-53, or IDS-7000-31-54; all dated August 30, 2006; as 
applicable; as an additional source of service information for 
installing the IDS-506 software.

Removal of Pin Ground Wires

    (l) For airplanes on which FR-HiTEMP fuel pumps have been 
installed in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2258, 
dated December 19, 2003, or Revision 1, dated August 11, 2005; or in 
production: After installing the new IDS-504 software required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD and within 6 months after the effective 
date of this AD, remove the ground wire of the wire integration unit 
that corresponds to the connector and pin locations in Table 7 of 
this AD, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Chapter 20-41-03 
of the Boeing 747-400 Aircraft Maintenance Manual is one approved 
method.

                      Table 7.--Connector Location
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Connector                               Pin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
L-EIU DM7353CA.................................................      G13
C-EIU DM7352CA.................................................      G13
R-EIU DM7351CA.................................................      G13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFM Revision

    (m) Except as specified in paragraph (n) of this AD, 
concurrently with the requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD, 
revise the Limitations section of the AFM to include the following 
(this may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM):

``Certification Limitations

    Center Wing Tank (CWT):
    The CWT fuel quantity indication system must be operative to 
dispatch with CWT mission fuel.
    If the FUEL LO CTR L or R message is displayed both CWT 
override/jettison pumps must be selected OFF.
    If the FUEL PRESS CTR L or R message is displayed, the 
corresponding CWT override/jettison pump must be selected OFF.

    Note: In a low fuel situation, both CWT override/jettison pumps 
may be selected ON and all CWT fuel may be used.

    Horizontal Stabilizer Tank (HST):
    The following additional limitations must be followed if the HST 
is fueled and used:
    The HST fuel quantity indication system must be operative to 
dispatch with HST mission fuel.
    If the FUEL PMP STB L or R message is displayed while on the 
ground both HST pumps must be selected OFF.
    If the FUEL LO STAB L or R message is displayed in flight the 
corresponding HST pump must be selected OFF.
    If the FUEL PRESS STAB L or R message is displayed the 
corresponding HST pump must be selected OFF.
    The remaining fuel in the HST must be considered unusable, and 
the effects of that unusable fuel on balance (CG) must be 
considered.

    Note: In a low fuel situation, both HST transfer pumps may be 
selected ON and all HST fuel may be used.

Warning

    Do not cycle CWT and HST pump switches from ON to OFF to ON with 
any continuous low pressure indication present.
    Do not reset a tripped fuel pump circuit breaker.
    Defueling:
    Prior to defueling any fuel tanks, perform a lamp test of the 
respective Fuel Pump Low Pressure indication lights. When defueling, 
the Fuel Pump Low Pressure indication lights must be monitored and 
the fuel pumps positioned to OFF at the first indication of fuel 
pump low pressure. When defueling with passengers on board, fuel 
pump switches must be selected OFF at or above approximately 7,000 
pounds (3,200 kilograms) for the CWT, 3,000 pounds (1,400 kilograms) 
for main tanks, and 2,100 pounds (1,000 kilograms) for the HST.
    The above requirements apply for defueling or transferring 
between tanks.''
    (n) For airplanes on which FR-HiTEMP fuel pumps have been 
installed in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2258, 
dated December 19, 2003, or Revision 1, dated August 11, 2005; or in 
production: Concurrently with the requirements of paragraph (l) of 
this AD, revise the Limitations section of the AFM in accordance 
with paragraph (m) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (o)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (p) You must use the applicable service bulletins specified in 
Table 8 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this 
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved the incorporation by reference of these documents 
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, 
for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go

[[Page 33867]]

to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

              Table 8.--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Revision
       Service bulletin            level                 Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Boeing Alert Service                  1  March 17, 2005.
 Bulletin 747-31A2350.
(2) Boeing Alert Service                  1  March 17, 2005.
 Bulletin 747-31A2351.
(3) Boeing Alert Service                  1  March 17, 2005.
 Bulletin 747-31A2352.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 8, 2007.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-11684 Filed 6-19-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P