[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9565-9568]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-4650]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0199; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-017-AD; 
Amendment 39-15835; AD 2009-05-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 Series 
Airplanes Equipped With Rolls-Royce Model RB211-TRENT 800 Series 
Engines

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series 
airplanes. The existing AD currently requires revising the airplane 
flight manual (AFM) to include in-flight procedures for pilots to 
follow in certain cold weather conditions and requires fuel circulation 
procedures on the ground when certain conditions exist. This new AD 
retains the fuel circulation procedures. This new AD also revises the 
AFM procedures required by the existing AD. This AD results from a 
report of a single-engine rollback as a result of ice blocking the fuel 
oil heat exchanger. We are issuing this AD to prevent ice from 
accumulating in the main tank fuel feed system, which, when released, 
could result in a restriction in the engine fuel system. Such a 
restriction could result in failure to achieve a commanded thrust, and 
consequent forced landing of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 20, 2009.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by May 4, 2009.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 
3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, 
extension 1, fax 206-766-5680; e-mail [email protected]; Internet 
https://www.myboeingfleet.com.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Langsted, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
(425) 917-6500; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On September 5, 2008, we issued AD 2008-19-04, amendment 39-15671 
(73 FR 52909, September 12, 2008). That AD applies to certain Boeing 
Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. That AD requires revising the 
airplane flight

[[Page 9566]]

manual (AFM) to include in-flight procedures for pilots to follow in 
certain cold weather conditions and requires fuel circulation 
procedures on the ground when certain conditions exist. That AD 
resulted from a report of uncommanded reduction in thrust on both 
engines because of reduced fuel flows. The actions specified in that AD 
are intended to prevent ice from accumulating in the main tank fuel 
feed system, which, when released, could result in a restriction in the 
engine fuel system. Such a restriction could result in failure to 
achieve a commanded thrust, and consequent forced landing of the 
airplane.

Actions Since AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2008-19-04, we received a report of a single-
engine rollback as a result of ice blocking the fuel oil heat exchanger 
(FOHE) on a Model 777 airplane equipped with Rolls-Royce Model RB211-
TRENT 800 series engines. The data confirm that ice accumulates in the 
fuel feed system and releases after a high thrust command, creating 
blockage at the FOHE and resulting in the inability of the engine to 
achieve the commanded thrust. Examination of the data from the rollback 
shows that the second of two maximum thrust step climbs was performed 
approximately 40 minutes prior to the thrust rollback. Ice was released 
within the fuel system during the step climbs and formed a restriction 
at the FOHE of the affected engine, as evidenced by an increase in 
engine oil temperature. Further analysis of the data shows that ice 
accretes in the fuel system more rapidly and at warmer fuel 
temperatures than previously indicated, and ice may build up gradually 
on the FOHE before causing the engine to rollback. The data from this 
event, in combination with Boeing fuel lab testing, demonstrates that 
reducing the fuel flow to minimum idle levels will clear any ice 
accumulation at the FOHE within a few seconds.
    All of the testing and research has been conducted on Boeing Model 
777-200 and -300 series airplanes, equipped with Rolls-Royce Model 
RB211-TRENT 800 series engines. Initial review of other Model 777 
airplane engine combinations has not revealed the same vulnerability to 
the identified unsafe condition.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other airplanes of the same type design. For this reason, we 
are issuing this AD to supersede AD 2008-19-04. This new AD retains the 
fuel circulation procedures. This new AD also requires revising the AFM 
procedures required by AD 2008-19-04. This AD revises the AFM in-flight 
procedures by reducing the step climb from 3 to 2 hours prior to 
descent, and by requiring flightcrews to retard the throttles to 
minimum idle for 30 seconds at the top of descent ensuring any ice 
accumulation on the face of the FOHE melts while the airplane is at 
higher altitudes. Performing all step climbs using vertical navigation 
(VNAV) or maximum climb thrust continues in this AD for all flights.
    Paragraph (g) of AD 2008-19-04 requires that the fuel circulation 
procedures be accomplished by a certified mechanic. We are retaining 
this requirement because of the complexity of the procedure. We 
recognize that persons other than mechanics who are properly trained 
might also be capable of accomplishing this procedure. Therefore, we 
would be receptive to requests for approval of alternative methods of 
compliance in accordance with paragraph (k) of this AD to allow others 
to accomplish the procedure if the request includes training and 
oversight provisions to ensure that the procedure is accomplished 
properly.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. The manufacturer is currently 
developing a modification that will address the unsafe condition 
identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, approved, 
and available, we might consider additional rulemaking.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Hazardous amounts of ice might accumulate within the main tank fuel 
feed system under certain conditions, which, when released, could 
result in a restriction in the engine fuel system. Such a restriction 
could result in failure to achieve a commanded thrust, and consequent 
forced landing of the airplane. We have determined that the loss of 
engine thrust was likely due to ice accumulating in the main tank fuel 
feed system during exposure in cold fuel temperatures and low power 
fuel flows. Because of our requirement to promote safe flight of civil 
aircraft and thus, the critical need to assure the proper functioning 
of the main tank fuel feed system and the short compliance time 
involved with this action, this AD must be issued immediately.
    Because an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we find 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

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite 
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send 
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include 
``Docket No. FAA-2009- +++++; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-017-AD'' 
at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on 
the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of 
this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and 
may amend this AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

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 the regulation:

[[Page 9567]]

    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. 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, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing amendment 39-15671 (73 FR 
52909, September 12, 2008) and adding the following new AD:

2009-05-11 Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2009-0199; Directorate Identifier 
2009-NM-017-AD; Amendment 39-15835.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective March 20, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2008-19-04.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category; equipped with Rolls-Royce 
Model RB211-TRENT 800 series engines.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 73: Engine 
Fuel and Control.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from a report of a single-engine rollback as 
a result of ice blocking the fuel oil heat exchanger. The Federal 
Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to prevent ice from 
accumulating in the main tank fuel feed system, which, when 
released, could result in a restriction in the engine fuel system. 
Such a restriction could result in failure to achieve a commanded 
thrust, and consequent forced landing of the airplane.

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2008-19-04

Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    (f) Within 10 days after September 29, 2008 (the effective date 
of AD 2008-19-04), revise the Limitations section of the AFM to 
include the following statement. This may be done by inserting a 
copy of this AD in the AFM. Doing the revision specified in 
paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the requirements of this 
paragraph.

    ``On ground, after refueling, check fuel temperature if fuel 
temperature indication is operative. If fuel temperature is colder 
than 0 degrees C or if fuel temperature indication is inoperative, 
verify that a record exists certifying that the approved fuel 
circulation procedure was performed.''
    ``Perform all step climbs using VNAV or maximum climb thrust.''
    ``In flight, within 3 hours of top of descent, but not less than 
15 minutes before top of descent, check fuel temperature. If fuel 
temperature is colder than -10 degrees C, perform a step climb using 
maximum climb thrust. If a step climb using maximum climb thrust 
cannot be accomplished, verify cruise speed is set to 0.84 Mach or 
less, and manually advance thrust levers to maximum (autothrottles 
may be overridden). After reaching maximum climb thrust, hold for 10 
seconds or until reaching 0.86 Mach, whichever occurs first. Check 
engines to ensure they have achieved maximum climb thrust and 
operate normally.''

Fuel Circulation Procedure

    (g) As of 10 days after September 29, 2008: If the fuel 
temperature has not exceeded 0 degrees Celsius during the ground 
turn, before further flight, using the main tank fuel boost pumps, 
pump fuel through the fuel manifold using the high flow mode for a 
minimum of one minute. A certified mechanic must do the fuel 
circulation procedure required by this paragraph using a method 
approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), FAA.
    (h) Before further flight after accomplishing the action 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, make a record in which the 
person accomplishing the procedure certifies that it was 
accomplished in accordance with the approved method, and provide the 
record to the flightcrew. Under the provisions of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ), the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection 
requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control 
Number 2120-0056.

Special Flight Permit

    (i) Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and 
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199), are not allowed.

New Requirements of This AD

AFM Revision

    (j) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Limitations section of the AFM to include the following 
statement. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD in the 
AFM. Doing the revision specified in this paragraph terminates the 
requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD; after this revision has 
been done, the AFM limitation required by paragraph (f) of this AD 
must be removed from the AFM.

``STEP CLIMBS AND INITIAL DESCENT

    Perform all step climbs using VNAV or maximum climb thrust. 
During initial descent, maintain idle thrust for a minimum of 30 
seconds.

COLD FUEL OPERATIONS

    On ground, after refueling, check fuel temperature if fuel 
temperature indication is operative. If fuel temperature is 0 
degrees C or colder or if fuel temperature indication is 
inoperative, verify that a record exists certifying that the 
approved fuel circulation procedure was performed.
    Do not do the following paragraph and balance the fuel at the 
same time. Balance the fuel before or after performing the following 
paragraph.
    In flight, within 2 hours of top of descent, but not less than 
15 minutes before top of descent, check fuel temperature. If fuel 
temperature is colder than -10 degrees C, perform a step climb using 
maximum climb thrust. If a step climb using maximum climb thrust 
cannot be accomplished, select or verify CLB thrust on the thrust 
limit page and verify cruise speed is set to 0.84 Mach or less. 
Manually advance thrust levers to maximum (autothrottles may be 
overridden). After reaching maximum climb thrust, hold for 10 
seconds or until reaching 0.86 Mach, whichever occurs first. Check 
engines to ensure they have achieved maximum climb thrust and 
operate normally.''

    Note 1: When a statement identical to that in paragraph (j) of 
this AD has been included in the general revisions of the AFM, the 
general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of this 
AD may be removed from the AFM.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Margaret Langsted, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
(425) 917-6500; fax (425) 917-6590.
    (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 principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or 
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a 
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. 
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2008-19-04, 
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph 
(g) of this AD.
    (4) Methods of compliance (MOCs) approved previously in 
accordance with AD 2008-19-04, are approved as MOCs for the

[[Page 9568]]

corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) None.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 17, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E9-4650 Filed 3-4-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P