[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 214 (Friday, November 5, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68177-68179]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-27610]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1040; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-207-AD;
Amendment 39-16492; AD 2010-23-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 757 and 767
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD requires repetitive testing for correct
functioning of the engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS)
to ensure that it receives both the LOW FUEL and FUEL CONFIG discrete
signals from the fuel quantity processor unit, and alerts the
flightcrew of a low fuel situation, and if the test fails,
troubleshooting to find wire faults and damaged equipment, and
corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report that
the EICAS failed to alert the flightcrew of an improper fuel system
configuration during flight. Later in that flight, the EICAS failed to
alert the flightcrew that the fuel in the left- and right-hand main
tanks was depleted below the minimum of 2,200 pounds. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct a single latent failure of the FUEL
CONFIG discrete signal, which disables both the FUEL CONFIG and LOW
FUEL messages. Such failure, combined with a flightcrew error in
configuring the fuel system, could lead to depletion of the fuel in the
main tanks and possible flame out of both engines. A dual engine flame
out could result in inaccessibility of the remaining fuel in the center
tank due to loss of electrical power to the pumps, consequent
unrecoverable dual engine shutdown, and forced landing of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective November 22, 2010.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of November 22,
2010.
We must receive comments on this AD by December 20, 2010.
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. You may review copies of the referenced
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tak Kobayashi, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone
(425) 917-6499; fax (425) 917-6590; e-mail: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We received a report from an operator of a Model 757-200 series
airplane that the engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS)
failed to alert the flightcrew of an improper fuel system configuration
during flight. Later in that flight, the EICAS failed to alert the
flightcrew that the fuel in the left- and right-hand main tanks was
depleted below the minimum of 2,200 pounds. The EICAS receives both the
LOW FUEL and FUEL CONFIG discrete signals from the fuel quantity
processor unit to display certain messages to alert the flightcrew.
When the center fuel tank pump switches are off with more than 200
pounds of fuel in the center tank the EICAS should display the FUEL
CONFIG advisory message. When the fuel in either main tank is below
2,200 pounds, the EICAS should display the LOW FUEL caution message.
The EICAS design allows a single latent failure of the FUEL CONFIG
discrete signal, which disables both the FUEL CONFIG and LOW FUEL
messages. Such failure, combined with a flightcrew error in configuring
the fuel system, could lead to depletion of the fuel in the main tanks
and possible flame out of both engines. A dual engine flame out could
result in inaccessibility of the remaining fuel in the center tank due
to loss of electrical power to the pumps, consequent unrecoverable dual
engine shutdown, and forced landing of the airplane.
The fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS), EICAS, and large format
display system (LFDS) installed on Model 757-200 series airplanes are
similar to the systems installed on Model 767 airplanes. Therefore,
Model 767 airplanes are also subject to the identified unsafe condition
and are included in the applicability of this AD.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletins 757-28-0121,
dated August 18, 2010; and 767-28-0106, dated August 25, 2010. The
service information describes procedures for repetitive testing for
correct functioning of the EICAS, and if the test fails,
troubleshooting to find wire faults, bent connector pins, or damaged
equipment. Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-28-0121, dated
August 18, 2010, also specifies procedures for corrective actions if
any wire fault or damaged equipment (including bent connector pins) is
found. The corrective actions include repairing or replacing affected
wires and damaged equipment (including bent connector pins).
FAA's Determination
We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type
designs.
[[Page 68178]]
AD Requirements
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously, except as discussed under
``Difference Between the AD and the Service Information.''
Difference Between the AD and the Service Information
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletins 767-28-0106, dated
August 25, 2010, does not specify instructions on how to repair certain
conditions, but this AD would require repairing those conditions in one
of the following ways:
In accordance with a method that we approve; or
Using data that meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial
Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have
authorized to make those findings.
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
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because if
the EICAS malfunctions, the flightcrew will not be alerted of a low
fuel situation, which could result in depletion of the fuel in the main
tanks and consequent unrecoverable dual engine shutdown and forced
landing of the airplane. Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity
for prior public comment 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 was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment. 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-2010-1040; Directorate
Identifier 2010-NM-207-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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 686 Model 757 airplanes and 425
Model 767 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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EICAS test..................... 1 work-hour x $85 N/A................... $85 per test $58,310 (for
per hour = $85 cycle. Model 757
per test cycle. airplanes).
$36,125 (for
Model 767
airplanes).
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We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
a cost estimate for the on-condition actions specified in 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
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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2010-23-03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-16492; Docket No. FAA-
2010-1040; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-207-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD is effective November 22, 2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 757-200, 200CB,
-200PF,
[[Page 68179]]
and -300 series airplanes, line numbers 1 through 1050 inclusive,
and all Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series airplanes;
certificated in any category.
Subject
(d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport
Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD was prompted by a report that the EICAS failed to
alert the flightcrew of an improper fuel system configuration during
flight. Later in that flight the EICAS failed to alert the
flightcrew that the fuel in the left- and right-hand main tanks was
depleted below the minimum of 2,200 pounds. We are issuing this AD
to detect and correct a single latent failure of the FUEL CONFIG
discrete signal, which disables both the FUEL CONFIG and LOW FUEL
messages. Such failure, combined with a flightcrew error in
configuring the fuel system, could lead to depletion of the fuel in
the main tanks and possible flame out of both engines. A dual engine
flame out could result in inaccessibility of the remaining fuel in
the center tank due to loss of electrical power to the pumps,
consequent unrecoverable dual engine shutdown, and forced landing of
the airplane.
Compliance
(f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Repetitive Tests
(g) Within 100 flight hours after the effective date of this AD:
Do a test for correct functioning of the EICAS to ensure that it
receives both the LOW FUEL and FUEL CONFIG discrete signals from the
fuel quantity processor unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-28-
0121, dated August 18, 2010; or Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 767-28-0106, dated August 25, 2010; as applicable. Repeat
the test thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 flight hours.
Corrective Actions If Necessary
(h) If any test required by paragraph (g) of this AD fails,
before further flight, troubleshoot to find any wire faults, and
damaged equipment (including bent connector pins), in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 757-28-0121, dated August 18, 2010; or Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-28-0106, dated August 25,
2010; as applicable.
(i) If, during any troubleshooting required by paragraph (h) of
this AD, any wire fault or damaged equipment (including bent
connector pins) is found, before further flight, do the applicable
actions specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 757-28-0121, dated August 18, 2010: Repair or replace
affected wires and equipment (including bent connector pins), in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 757-28-0121, dated August 18, 2010.
(2) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 767-28-0106, dated August 25, 2010: Do corrective actions
using a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA.
Note 1: Guidance on doing corrective actions can be found in
Chapter 28, Subject 28-41-00, Section July, of the Boeing 767 Fault
Isolation Manual (FIM).
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j)(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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the
manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person
identified in the Related Information section of this AD.
Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your Principal
Maintenance Inspector or Principal Avionics Inspector, as
appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight
Standards District Office.
Related Information
(k) For more information about this AD, contact Tak Kobayashi,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle ACO,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone
(425) 917-6499; fax (425) 917-6590; e-mail
[email protected].
Material Incorporated by Reference
(l) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-
28-0121, dated August 18, 2010; or Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 767-28-0106, dated August 25, 2010; as applicable; to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) 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.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 20, 2010.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-27610 Filed 11-4-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P