[Federal Register: January 5, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 3)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 735-737]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05ja05-30]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-19998; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-224-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes. This proposed AD
would require replacing the pressure switches on the override/jettison
fuel pumps with new pressure switches, and replacing the ship side
electrical connectors for the pressure switches on override/jettison
fuel pumps with new connectors. This proposed AD is prompted by reports
that the ``FUEL LOW CENTER'' message does not activate when the fuel
level in the center tank is low. We are proposing this AD to prevent
the fuel pumps in the center fuel tank from running dry and becoming a
potential ignition source, which could result in a fuel tank explosion.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 22,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
By fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, 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, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-
401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This
docket number is FAA-2004-19998; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004-NM-224-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Technical information: Margaret Langsted, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone
(425) 917-6500; fax (425) 917-6590.
Plain language information: Marcia Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS
and
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assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19998;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-224-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You can review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
can visit http://dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.Examining
the Docket
You can 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 Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
We have received reports indicating that the ``FUEL LOW CENTER''
message on the engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS) did
not come on during flight when the fuel quantity in the center tank was
low (400 lbs or less), on several Boeing Model 777-200 series
airplanes. A Boeing Model 777-200 series airplane was flight-tested to
evaluate the problem. An analysis of the data collected indicated a
problem with the design of the system tubing at the inlet of the center
fuel tank pump. That design allows some residual fuel to collect near
the pump impeller after the center tank fuel supply has been exhausted.
As a result, the center tank pump produces sustained pressure above its
low pressure switch range of 4-7 pounds per square inch gage (psig)
when the main tank boost pumps supply back pressure against the center
pump discharge check valve. Failure of the ``FUEL LOW CENTER'' message
and the pump low pressure lights to come on when the center tank
becomes empty, if not corrected, could result in the pumps running dry
and becoming a potential ignition source in the fuel tank, which could
consequently cause a fuel tank explosion.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-
0036, dated September 2, 2004. The service bulletin describes
procedures for replacing the pressure switches on the override/jettison
fuel pump with new pressure switches, and replacing the ship side
electrical connectors for the pressure switches on the override/
jettison fuel pumps with new connectors. Accomplishing the actions
specified in the service information is intended to adequately address
the unsafe condition.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which
would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 61 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for
U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD.
Estimated Costs
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Average Number of
Work labor Cost per U.S.- Fleet
Action hours rate per Parts airplane registered cost
hour airplanes
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Replacement.................................. 3 $65 $13,430 $13,625 21 $286,125
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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 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
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on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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); 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 proposed AD. 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.
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
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2004-19998; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
224-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by February 22, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes,
certificated in any category; as listed in Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 777-28-0036, dated September 2, 2004.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports that the ``FUEL LOW CENTER''
message does not activate when the fuel level in the center tank is
low. We are issuing this AD to prevent the fuel pumps in the center
fuel tank from running dry and becoming a potential ignition source,
which could result in a fuel tank explosion.
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.
Replacement
(f) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD,
replace the pressure switches on the override/jettison fuel pumps
with new pressure switches, and replace the ship side electrical
connectors for the pressure switches on the override/jettison fuel
pumps with new connectors, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-
0036, dated September 2, 2004.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 27, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-170 Filed 1-4-05; 8:45 am]
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