[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 237 (Wednesday, December 10, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 73252-73254]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-28921]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0920; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-192-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300ER, and 777F 
series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a 
jettison fuel pump that was shut off by the automatic shutoff system 
during the center tank fuel scavenge process on a short-range flight. 
This proposed AD would require making wiring changes, modifying certain 
power panels, installing electrical load management system software, 
and accomplishing a functional test. We are proposing this AD to 
prevent extended dry running of the jettison fuel pumps, which can be a 
potential ignition source inside the main fuel tanks, and consequent 
fuel tank fire or explosion in the event that the jettison pump 
overheats or has an electrical fault.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 26, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0920; 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 proposed 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: Takahisa Kobayashi, Aerospace 
Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
phone: 425-917-6499; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

[[Page 73253]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0920; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-192-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    We received a report of a jettison fuel pump that was shut off by 
the automatic shutoff system during the center tank fuel scavenge 
process on a short-range flight. The manufacturer had made a design 
change to the fuel scavenge system to improve its operational 
reliability under cold temperatures. With this design change 
incorporated, the jettison fuel pumps in the main fuel tanks are 
operated every flight as part of the fuel scavenge system. For certain 
airplanes on which this change has been incorporated, the jettison fuel 
pumps are automatically shut off after four hours of operating the fuel 
scavenge system, or when a low pressure condition of the jettison fuel 
pump is detected under failure conditions such as a fuel leak. The 
manufacturer discovered that the jettison pump inlets can be uncovered 
during normal fuel scavenge operation depending on the flight duration 
(less than four hours) and fuel loading in the main fuel tanks. In 
addition, the automatic shutoff system can fail in a latent manner. If 
the automatic shutoff system fails and the jettison pump inlets are 
uncovered as expected during normal fuel scavenge operation on short-
range flights of less than four hours, the jettison pump will run dry 
for an extended period of time. Extended dry running of the jettison 
fuel pumps can be a potential ignition source inside the main fuel 
tanks, and could cause a fuel tank fire or explosion in the event that 
the jettison pump overheats or has an electrical fault.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Bulletin 777-28-0083, dated 
September 8, 2014. For information on the procedures and compliance 
times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0920.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing 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 the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information identified previously.

Explanation of ``RC'' Steps or Procedures in Service Information

    The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the 
Airworthiness Directives Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee 
(AD ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement was a new process 
for annotating which steps or procedures in the service information are 
required for compliance with an AD. Differentiating these steps or 
procedures from other tasks in the service information is expected to 
improve an owner's/operator's understanding of crucial AD requirements 
and help provide consistent judgment in AD compliance. The actions 
specified in the service information described previously include steps 
or procedures that are identified as RC (required for compliance) 
because these steps or procedures have a direct effect on detecting, 
preventing, resolving, or eliminating an identified unsafe condition.
    As noted in the specified service information, steps or procedures 
identified as RC must be done to comply with the proposed AD. However, 
steps or procedures that are not identified as RC are recommended. 
Those steps or procedures that are not identified as RC may be deviated 
from, done as part of other actions, or done using accepted methods 
different from those identified in the service information without 
obtaining approval of an alternative method of compliance (AMOC), 
provided the steps or procedures identified as RC can be done and the 
airplane can be put back in a serviceable condition. Any substitutions 
or changes to steps or procedures identified as RC will require 
approval of an AMOC.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 11 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Groups 1 through Group 4 airplanes:
    Hardware and software changes.....  Up to 31 work[dash]hours          $1,286          $3,921         $27,447
    (7 airplanes).....................   x $85 per hour = $2,635.
Group 5 airplanes:
    ELMS2 software update.............  8 work-hours x $85 per                 0             680           2,720
    (4 airplanes).....................   hour = $680.
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    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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

[[Page 73254]]

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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    (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),
    (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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2014-0920; Directorate Identifier 
2014-NM-192-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 26, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, 
300ER and 777F series airplanes, certificated in any category, as 
identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0083, 
dated September 8, 2014.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a jettison fuel pump that 
was shut off by the automatic shutoff system during the center tank 
fuel scavenge process on a short-range flight. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent extended dry running of the jettison fuel pumps, which 
can be a potential ignition source inside the main fuel tanks, and 
consequent fuel tank fire or explosion in the event that the 
jettison pump overheats or has an electrical fault.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Wiring and Software Changes

    (1) For Groups 1 through 4 airplanes, as identified in Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0083, dated September 8, 
2014: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, make 
wiring changes, modify power panels P110 and P210, install 
electrical load management system 2 (ELMS2) software, and accomplish 
the functional test and all applicable corrective actions, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0083, dated September 8, 2014. Do 
all applicable corrective actions before further flight.
    (2) For Group 5 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0083, dated September 8, 2014: 
Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, install ELMS2 
software, and accomplish the functional test and all applicable 
corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-
0083, dated September 8, 2014. Do all applicable corrective actions 
before further flight.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: GE Aviation Service Bulletin 
5000ELM-28-075, Revision 1, dated August 5, 2014; and GE Aviation 
Service Bulletin 6000ELM-28-076, Revision 1, dated August 5, 2014; 
are additional sources of guidance for modifying the P110 and P210 
panels, respectively.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (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 paragraph (i)(l) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization 
(ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make 
those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) If the service information contains steps or procedures that 
are identified as RC (Required for Compliance), those steps or 
procedures must be done to comply with this AD; any steps or 
procedures that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those 
steps or procedures that are not identified as RC may be deviated 
from, done as part of other actions, or done using accepted methods 
different from those identified in the specified service information 
without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the steps or 
procedures identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put 
back in a serviceable condition. Any substitutions or changes to 
steps or procedures identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Takahisa 
Kobayashi, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6499; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P. O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 28, 2014.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-28921 Filed 12-9-14; 8:45 am]
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