FR Doc 05-2839

[Federal Register: February 15, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 30)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 7678-7681]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15fe05-17]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20351; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-269-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Boeing Model 767 series airplanes. This proposed AD would
require an inspection of each main tank fuel boost pump for the
presence of a pump shaft flame arrestor, and if the flame arrestor is
missing, replacement of that pump with a pump having a pump shaft flame
arrestor. This proposed AD would also require repetitive measurements
of the flame arrestor's position in the pump, and corrective actions if
necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by reports that certain fuel
boost pumps may not have flame arrestors installed in the pump shaft.
We have also received reports that the pin that holds the flame
arrestor in place can break due to metal fatigue. We are proposing this
AD to prevent the possible migration of a flame from a main tank fuel
boost pump inlet to the vapor space of that fuel tank, and consequent
ignition of fuel vapors, which could result in a fire or explosion
should the pump inlets become uncovered.

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.

[[Page 7679]]

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-2005-20351; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2003-NM-269-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bernie Gonzalez, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 917-6498; 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-2005-20351;
Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-269-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 website, 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

We have received reports that certain fuel boost pumps for the main
fuel tanks do not have pump shaft flame arrestors installed. While the
affected fuel boost pumps were installed on certain Boeing Model 767
series airplanes, the pumps may have been transferred to other
airplanes during operator maintenance. Therefore, all Boeing Model 767
airplanes may be affected.
We have also received reports that the roll pin that holds the
flame arrestor in the proper position in the fuel boost pump shaft can
break due to metal fatigue. If the pin breaks, the pin and the flame
arrestor can drop down the pump shaft into the reprime/vapor removal
portion of the pump. The ingestion of the metal pieces created by the
broken pin may produce a sparking condition and consequent ignition of
vapor if present. The pump shaft flame arrestor is part of the
explosion-proof enclosure of the fuel pump. This flame arrestor's
function is to contain an internal pump explosion and prevent any flame
from reaching the fuel tank via the pump inlet. If the flame arrestor
is missing or loose, the pump is no longer explosion proof. In this
condition, if the pump inlet is uncovered such that the pump runs dry,
the fuel tank has no protection from flame egress due to an ignition
within the pump. Such conditions may exist during ground defueling of
the airplane fuel tanks and during abnormal operating conditions
involving a low quantity of fuel in the tank. During low fuel operation
one or more fuel pumps may experience intermittent dry operation for
sufficient periods of time to permit vapor ignition within the pump.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in the migration of a
flame from a main tank fuel boost pump inlet to the vapor space of that
fuel tank, and consequent ignition of fuel vapors, which could result
in a fire or explosion.

Relevant Service Information

We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 767-28A0077 (for
Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes) and 767-28A0081 (for
Model 767-400ER series airplanes), both Revision 1, both dated July 8,
2004, which describe procedures for inspecting each main tank fuel
boost pump to determine if the pin and flame arrestor are installed,
repetitively measuring the position of the flame arrestor in the pump,
and corrective actions. The corrective actions include installing
serviceable boost pumps. The Boeing alert service bulletins reference
Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin 5006003-28-2, dated October 25,
2002, as an additional source of service information for doing the
inspections and corrective actions. The procedures in the Hamilton
Sundstrand service bulletin include:
Removing the pumping unit assemblies from the main fuel
tank boost pumps.
Measuring the distance from the impeller end of the shaft
to the flame arrestor (finned plug) in the pumping unit assemblies.
Testing certain pumping unit assemblies.
Marking the identification plates of each pumping unit
assembly with the symbol ``28-2.''
Reinstalling the pumping unit assemblies into the fuel
boost pumps.
If the measurement is greater than the limit specified in the
Hamilton Standard service bulletin, that service bulletin specifies to
return the affected pumping unit assembly to a repair shop for
replacement of the pin and flame arrestor.
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 a detailed inspection of each main tank fuel boost pump
to determine if a flame arrestor is installed, repetitive measurements
of the position of the flame arrestor in the pump, and corrective
actions if necessary. The proposed AD would require you to use the
service information described previously, except as discussed under
``Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Information.''

Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Information

Operators should note that, although the Hamilton Sundstrand
service bulletin specifies to return main tank fuel boost pumps with
damaged, broken, or out-of-position flame arrestors to a repair shop,
that action is not required by this proposed AD.

[[Page 7680]]

Clarification of Inspection Terminology

Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 767-28A0077 and 767-28A0081, both
Revision 1, specify to do an inspection of each main tank fuel boost
pump for the presence or integrity of the flame arrestor as specified
in Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin 5006003-28-2, dated October 25,
2002. This proposed AD requires a detailed inspection of each main tank
fuel boost pump for the presence of the flame arrestor. Note 2 has been
included in this proposed AD to define this type of inspection.
The inspection of the integrity of the flame arrestor is referred
to as a ``check'' in the Hamilton Sundstrand service bulletin. Instead
of referring to this action as a check, this proposed AD uses the term
``measurement.''

Interim Action

We consider this proposed AD interim action. If final action is
later identified, we may consider further rulemaking then.

Costs of Compliance

This proposed AD would affect about 915 airplanes worldwide, and
400 airplanes of U.S. registry. The following table provides the
estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD.

Estimated Costs
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Number of
Average U.S.-
Action Work hours labor rate Parts Cost per airplane registered Fleet cost
per hour airplanes
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Inspection of flame arrestor 5 $65 None $325, per inspection cycle.............. 400 $130,000
presence/position, per
inspection cycle.
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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 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-2005-20351; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-
269-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

Unsafe Condition

(d) This proposed AD is prompted by reports that certain fuel
boost pumps may not have flame arrestors installed in the pump
shaft. We have also received reports that the pin that holds the
flame arrestor in place can break due to metal fatigue. We are
issuing this AD to prevent the possible migration of a flame from a
main tank fuel boost pump inlet to the vapor space of that fuel
tank, and consequent ignition of fuel vapors, which could result in
a fire or explosion should the pump inlets become uncovered.

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.

Service Bulletin References

(f) The term ``alert service bulletin,'' as used in this AD,
means the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletins 767-28A0077 (for Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series
airplanes) and 767-28A0081 (for Model 767-400ER series airplanes),
both Revision 1, both dated July 8, 2004; as applicable.

Note 1: The Boeing alert service bulletins reference Hamilton
Sundstrand Service Bulletin 5006003-28-2, dated October 25, 2002, as
an additional source of service information for accomplishment of
the inspection and corrective actions. Although the Hamilton
Sundstrand service bulletin specifies to return main tank fuel boost
pumps with damaged, broken, or out-of-position flame arrestors to a
repair shop, that action is not required by this AD.

Inspection for Presence/Position of Flame Arrestor in Main Tank Fuel
Boost Pumps

(g) Prior to the accumulation of 15,000 total flight hours, or
within 365 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever is
later: Do a detailed inspection of each main tank fuel boost pump to
determine if the pump shaft flame arrestor is installed, a

[[Page 7681]]

measurement of the flame arrestor's position in the pump, and any
applicable corrective actions, by accomplishing all of the actions
in the applicable alert service bulletin. Repeat the measurement of
the flame arrestor's position in the pump thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 6,000 flight hours or 24 months, whichever is first.
Any applicable corrective actions must be done before further
flight.

Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is:
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning
and elaborate procedures may be required.''

Note 3: There is no terminating action available at this time
for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

Parts Installation

(h) As of the effective date of this AD, no main tank fuel boost
pump may be installed on any airplane unless it has been inspected,
and any applicable corrective action performed, in accordance with
the requirements of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(i) 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. 05-2839 Filed 2-14-05; 8:45 am]

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