[Federal Register: February 15, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 30)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 7695-7697]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15fe05-24]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20355; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-198-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes, Equipped
With An Auxiliary Fuel Tank Having a Fuel Pump Installed
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
[[Page 7696]]
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for Boeing Model 727 airplanes equipped with an auxiliary fuel tank
having a fuel pump installed. This proposed AD would require revising
the airplane flight manual to include limitations on operating the fuel
pumps for the auxiliary fuel tank. This proposed AD is prompted by a
design review of the fuel pump installation, which revealed a potential
unsafe condition related to the auxiliary fuel tank(s). We are
proposing this AD to prevent dry operation of the fuel pumps for the
auxiliary fuel tank, which could create a potential ignition source
inside the auxiliary fuel tank that could result in a fire or explosion
of the auxiliary fuel tank.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 1, 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-2005-20355; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2004-NM-198-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sulmo Mariano, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone
(425) 917-6501; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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-2005-20355;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-198-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.
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
The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in
recent fuel tank explosions on several large transport airplanes,
including the adequacy of existing regulations, the service history of
airplanes subject to those regulations, and existing maintenance
practices for fuel tank systems. As a result of those findings, we
issued a regulation titled ``Transport Airplane Fuel Tank System Design
Review, Flammability Reduction and Maintenance and Inspection
Requirements'' (67 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new
airworthiness standards for transport airplanes and new maintenance
requirements, this rule included Special Federal Aviation Regulation
No. 88 (``SFAR 88,'' Amendment 21-78, and subsequent Amendments 21-82
and 21-83).
Among other actions, SFAR 88 requires certain type design (i.e.,
type certificate (TC) and supplemental type certificate (STC)) holders
to substantiate that their fuel tank systems can prevent ignition
sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement applies to type design
holders for large turbine-powered transport airplanes and for
subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It requires them to
perform design reviews and to develop design changes and maintenance
procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel tank safety
standards. As explained in the preamble to the rule, we intended to
adopt airworthiness directives to mandate any changes found necessary
to address unsafe conditions identified as a result of these reviews.
In evaluating these design reviews, we have established four
criteria intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel
tank systems that require corrective actions. The percentage of
operating time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable
conditions is one of these criteria. The other three criteria address
the failure types under evaluation: Single failures, single failures in
combination with another latent condition(s), and in-service failure
experience. For all four criteria, the evaluations included
consideration of previous actions taken that may mitigate the need for
further action.
We have determined that the actions identified in this AD are
necessary to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel
tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result
in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
A design review of the fuel pump installation on the auxiliary fuel
tank of Boeing Model 727 airplanes has revealed a potential unsafe
condition related to the auxiliary fuel tank(s). Dry operation of the
fuel pumps for the auxiliary fuel tank could cause metal-to-metal
contact that may create high temperatures or sparks. This could create
a potential ignition source inside the auxiliary fuel tank, which could
result in a fire or explosion of the auxiliary fuel tank.
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
[[Page 7697]]
type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require
revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to include limitations on
operating the fuel pumps for the auxiliary fuel tank.
In developing an appropriate compliance time for this AD, we
considered the manufacturer's recommendation, the degree of urgency
associated with the subject unsafe condition, and the average
utilization of the affected fleet. In light of all of these factors, we
find that a 30-day compliance time represents an appropriate interval
of time for affected airplanes to continue to operate without
compromising safety.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 300 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 200 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The proposed AFM revision would take about 1 work hour
per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators
is $13,000, or $65 per airplane.
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 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-2005-20355; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
198-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by April 1, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-
100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes; certificated in any
category; equipped with an auxiliary fuel tank having a fuel pump
installed.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a design review of the fuel pump
installation, which revealed a potential unsafe condition related to
the auxiliary fuel tank(s). We are issuing this AD to prevent dry
operation of the fuel pumps for the auxiliary fuel tank, which could
create a potential ignition source inside the auxiliary fuel tank
that could result in a fire or explosion of the auxiliary fuel tank.
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.
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision
(f) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the Limitations section of the AFM to contain the following
information. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD in the
AFM.
Auxiliary Tank Fuel Pumps
Auxiliary tank fuel pump switches must not be positioned `ON'
unless the auxiliary tank(s) contain fuel. Auxiliary tank(s) fuel
pumps must not be `ON' unless personnel are available in the flight
deck to monitor low pressure lights.
When established in a level attitude at cruise, if the auxiliary
tank(s) contain usable fuel and the auxiliary tank(s) switches are
`OFF,' the auxiliary tank(s) pump switches should be positioned `ON'
again.
Each auxiliary tank fuel pump switch must be positioned `OFF'
without delay when the respective auxiliary tank fuel pump low
pressure light illuminates.''
Note 1: When text identical to that in paragraph (f) 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)
(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 February 6, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-2835 Filed 2-14-05; 8:45 am]
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