[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 190 (Friday, October 1, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60661-60665]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-24717]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-1098; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-108-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and
747SP Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of
comment period.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive
(AD) for certain Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-
200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. The
original NPRM would have required adding two new indicator lights on
the P10 panel to inform the captain and first officer of a low pressure
condition in the left and right override/jettison pumps of the center
wing tanks. The original NPRM would also have required replacing the
left and right override/jettison switches on the M154 fuel control
module on the P4 panel with improved switches and doing the associated
wiring changes. The original NPRM would have also required a revision
to the maintenance program to incorporate airworthiness limitation No.
28-AWL-22. The original NPRM resulted from fuel system reviews
conducted by the manufacturer. This action revises the original NPRM by
adding a revision to the airplane flight manual to advise the
flightcrew what to do in the event that the pump low pressure light on
the flight engineer's panel does not illuminate when the pump is
selected off; and requiring, for certain airplanes, installation of a
mounting bracket for the new indicator lights. We are proposing this
supplemental NPRM to prevent uncommanded operation of the override/
jettison pumps of the center wing tanks, and failure to manually shut
off the override/jettison pumps at the correct time, either of which
could lead to an ignition source inside the center wing tank. This
condition, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a
center fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this supplemental NPRM by October
26, 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 proposed 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 proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Douglas Bryant, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone
(425) 917-6505; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-1098;
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-108-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.
[[Page 60662]]
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (the ``original
NPRM'') to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive
(AD) that would apply to certain Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD,
747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series
airplanes. That original NPRM was published in the Federal Register on
October 16, 2008 (73 FR 61369). That original NPRM proposed to require
adding two new indicator lights on the P10 panel to inform the captain
and first officer of a low pressure condition in the left and right
override/jettison pumps of the center wing tanks. The original NPRM
also proposed to require replacing the left and right override/jettison
switches on the M154 fuel control module on the P4 panel with improved
switches and doing the associated wiring changes. The original NPRM
also proposed to require a revision to the maintenance program to
incorporate airworthiness limitation No. 28-AWL-22.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comments received from the two commenters.
Request To Revise the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
Boeing requests that the original NPRM be revised to add a
requirement to revise Section 3, ``Normal Procedures,'' of the AFM to
require actions by the flight engineer in the event that the pump low
pressure light on the flight engineer's panel does not illuminate when
the pump is selected off.
We agree that this supplemental NPRM should be revised to require
including this information in the AFM. However, we disagree with the
specific wording and AFM section proposed by Boeing. In evaluating
Boeing's request, we found that there are two causes for an override/
jettison pump to run dry. The actions proposed by the original NPRM
were intended to prevent an uncommanded-on event that could result in
the override/jettison pump running dry, which could lead to an ignition
source in the center wing fuel tank. We found that the original
proposed actions would address events where the pumps run dry for
extended periods of time as might happen when the flight engineer does
not shut off the pump at the appropriate time.
However, since the cause of the uncommanded-on event still exists,
we find that the AFM must be revised to provide instructions to the
flightcrew in the event of a relay failure which leaves the fuel pump
powered on after the pump has been switched off (uncommanded-on). We
have determined that more precise wording must be used in the
supplemental NPRM and that the wording should be added to Section 1,
``Certificate Limitations,'' of the AFM.
Therefore, we have added a new paragraph (i) to this supplemental
NPRM and re-identified subsequent paragraphs. We have also revised the
Costs of Compliance section of this supplemental NPRM to include the
estimated costs for this new action. In addition, we revised the unsafe
condition statement to include the additional cause.
Request To Reference Later Revision of Service Bulletin Cited in
Original NPRM
Northwest Airlines (NWA) requests that we reference updated service
information (i.e., Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2288, Revision 1,
dated January 21, 2010), instead of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
28A2288, dated March 20, 2008, which was referenced in the original
NPRM as the appropriate source of service information for doing the
required actions. NWA notes that steps 3.B.46.b.(1) through
3.B.46.b.(11) of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2288, dated March
20, 2008, do not state when the two new installed LOW PRESS lights on
the P10 panel come on. NWA explains that if the LOW PRESS lights on the
P10 panel are not wired correctly, and those steps are used, the lights
could be illuminated properly in the `Test' mode, but might not
illuminate in the actual non-`test' mode with the override/jettison
pump switch in the ON position. NWA states that Boeing responded to
this concern and stated that the original issue of the alert service
bulletin would be revised and would reference actions that are the same
as those provided in AWL No. 28-AWL-22 for the functional tests.
Since we published the original NPRM, Boeing has published Boeing
Service Bulletin 747-28A2288, Revision 1, dated January 21, 2010. We
agree to reference the updated service bulletin as the appropriate
source of service information for accomplishing the installation of
indicator lights and replacement of switches required by this
supplemental NPRM. Boeing has clarified Steps 3.B.44.b.(1) through
3.B.44.b.(11) of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2288, Revision 1, dated
January 21, 2010.
In addition, Boeing has also included installation instructions
(which include installing a mounting bracket) of the LOW PRESS
indicator lights for airplanes that do not have the warning panel
(i.e., the P10 panel) installed, and revised the airplane groups.
We have revised paragraphs (c) and (g) of this supplemental NPRM to
reference Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2288, Revision 1, dated
January 21, 2010. For certain airplanes, we also revised paragraph (g)
of this supplemental NPRM to require adding a mounting bracket.
Request To Revise Summary and Discussion Sections of Original NPRM
Boeing requests that we revise the Summary and Discussion sections
of the original NPRM to add additional detail to the description of
required actions.
For the Summary section, Boeing suggests that the text be revised
to point out:
The redundancy in functionality between the two P4 panel
indicator lights and the new indicator lights added to the P10 panel;
The different configurations of the P10 panel (which means
that for some airplanes, a bracket would also be installed to provide a
mounting surface for the new indicator lights); and
To explain which flightcrew member is responsible for
responding to indications of a pump uncommanded-on event.
For the Discussion section, Boeing also suggests that the text be
revised to point out the redundancy in functionality between the two P4
panel indicator lights and the new indicator lights added to the P10
panel. Boeing suggests that, in addition, the text should be revised to
provide further details on the similarities and differences between the
indicator lights on the P10 and P4 panels; information on a switch
replacement for the P4 panel; and further detail on how and when the
indicator lights turn on and off along with a detailed description of
how a flight engineer should respond to the indicator lights.
We agree that the sections of text need to be clarified. The
Summary section of an AD is intended to provide only a brief summary of
the AD. Therefore, we have not revised the Summary section of this
supplemental NPRM. Also, while the Discussion section is the
appropriate section for the detailed information that Boeing proposes,
the Discussion section from the original NPRM is not repeated in this
supplemental NPRM.
[[Page 60663]]
Request To Revise the Work-Hour Estimate
NWA requests that the work-hour estimate to accomplish the original
NPRM be increased from the 28 work-hours estimated in the original NPRM
to 56.75 work-hours. NWA states that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
28A2288, dated March 20, 2008, does not include a work-hour estimate
for accomplishing access and closeup actions provided in BAE Service
Bulletin 65B46124-28-03, dated March 28, 2007. NWA points out that the
BAE service bulletins, referenced in the original NPRM (and the
following table) as additional sources of guidance, provide an estimate
of 10 work-hours for access and closeup actions.
BAE Systems Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BAE Systems Service Bulletin-- Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
65B46124[dash]28[dash]01............. February 16, 2006.
65B46124[dash]28[dash]02............. March 28, 2007.
65B46124[dash]28[dash]03............. March 28, 2007.
65B46214[dash]28[dash]01............. February 16, 2006.
65B46214[dash]28[dash]02............. March 28, 2007.
65B46214[dash]28[dash]03............. March 28, 2007.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
We agree to revise the work-hour estimate. However, we do not agree
to include incidental costs such as access and closeup. Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-28A2288, Revision 1, dated January 21, 2010, provides an
estimate of 28 work-hours to accomplish the proposed modification. The
BAE service bulletins referenced in that Boeing service bulletin as
additional sources of guidance each provide an estimate of 2 additional
work-hours to accomplish the modification actions specified in Boeing
Service Bulletin 747-28A2288, Revision 1, dated January 21, 2010. The
cost analysis in AD rulemaking actions, however, typically does not
include incidental costs such as the time required to gain access and
closeup, time necessary for planning, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions. Those incidental costs, which might vary
significantly among operators, are almost impossible to calculate. We
cannot provide specific information regarding the cost of parts from
BAE to do the proposed modification. The parts costs will likely vary
depending on the airplane group. However, we can reasonably estimate
that the cost of the parts from BAE will be at least between $100 and
$200 per airplane, depending on airplane group. We specifically invite
the submission of comments and other data regarding the costs of this
proposed AD.
We have revised the estimate to between 30 and 32 work-hours,
depending on airplane group. Also, Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2288,
Revision 1, dated January 21, 2010, revises the parts cost estimate
provided in the original issue of that service bulletin. We have
revised the parts costs estimate in the Costs of Compliance section of
this supplemental NPRM accordingly.
Incorrect Numbers
AWL No. 28-AWL-22 of Section D of the Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance
Requirements (CMRs), D6-13747-CMR, Revision March 2008, contains an
incorrect section number. Where the AWL states ``28-31-00,'' the
correct section number is ``28-42-00.'' Boeing is aware of this
discrepancy and plans to issue a revision. We have included this
information in paragraph (h) of this AD.
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2288, Revision 1, dated January 21,
2010, contains an incorrect sub-section number and incorrect part
numbers. Where Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2288, Revision 1, dated
January 21, 2010, states ``20-60-00,'' the correct sub-section number
is ``28-60-06.'' Where Figures 22 through 32 of Boeing Service Bulletin
747-28A2288, Revision 1, dated January 21, 2010, state certain part
numbers for a nut, a bolt, and a washer (BACN10JC06CD, BACS12HN06-10,
and NAS1149D0632J respectively), the correct part numbers are
BACN10NW1, BACS12HN04-6 (for a screw instead of a bolt), and
NAS1149DN416J, respectively. Boeing is aware of these discrepancies and
plans to issue a revision. We have included this information in
paragraph (g) of this AD.
FAA's Determination and Proposed Requirements of the Supplemental NPRM
We are proposing this supplemental NPRM because we evaluated all
pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Certain changes described above expand the scope of the original NPRM.
As a result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the
comment period to provide additional opportunity for the public to
comment on this supplemental NPRM.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 185 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The average labor rate per work-hour is $85. The
following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to
comply with this proposed AD.
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of U.S.-
Action Work-hours Parts Cost per registered Fleet cost
product airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Service Bulletin 747- Between 30 and Between $2,768 Between $5,318 185 Between
28A2288, Revision 1. 32. and $2,868. and $5,588. $983,830 and
$1,033,780.
AFM revision................ 1.............. None........... $85 185 $15,725
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This
[[Page 60664]]
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), 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.
You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of
compliance in the AD Docket.
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
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 AD:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2008-1098; Directorate Identifier
2008-NM-108-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by October 26, 2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR,
and 747SP series airplanes, certificated in any category; as
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2288, Revision 1, dated
January 21, 2010.
Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include a new inspection. Compliance with
this inspection is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that
have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas
addressed by this inspection, the operator may not be able to
accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must
request approval for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC)
according to paragraph (1) of this AD. The request should include a
description of changes to the required inspection that will ensure
the continued operational safety of the airplane.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the
manufacturer. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD
to prevent uncommanded operation of the override/jettison pumps of
the center wing tanks, and failure to manually shut off the
override/jettison pumps at the correct time, either of which could
lead to an ignition source inside the center wing tank. This
condition, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result
in a center fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Installation of Indicator Lights and Replacement of Switches
(g) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD: Add
two new indicator lights on the P10 panel to inform the captain and
first officer of a low pressure condition in the left and right
override/jettison pumps of the center wing tanks; and, for airplanes
that do not have the warning panel (P10 panel) installed, add a
mounting bracket; and replace the left and right override/jettison
switches on the M154 fuel control module on the P4 panel with
improved switches; and do the associated wiring changes. Accomplish
these actions by doing all of the applicable actions specified in
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
28A2288, Revision 1, dated January 21, 2010, except where that
service bulletin states ``20-60-00,'' the correct sub-section number
is ``28-60-06,'' and as described in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1--Part Number Correction
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part number specified in
Figures 22 through 32 of
Part name Boeing Service Bulletin Part name of correct Correct part number
747-28A2288, Revision 1, part
dated January 21, 2010
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nut.............................. BACN10JC06CD............. Nut................. BACN10NW1
Bolt............................. BACS12HN06-10............ Screw............... BACS12HN04-6
Washer........................... NAS1149D0632J............ Washer.............. NAS1149DN416J
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 2: For airplanes equipped with certain M154 fuel control
modules, paragraph 2.C.2 of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2288,
Revision 1, dated January 21, 2010, refers to the BAE Systems
service bulletins identified in Table 2 of this AD, as applicable,
as additional sources of guidance for replacing the switches.
Table 2--Additional Sources of Guidance
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service bulletin Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BAE Systems Service Bulletin February 16, 2006.
65B46124[dash]28[dash]01.
BAE Systems Service Bulletin March 28, 2007.
65B46124[dash]28[dash]02.
BAE Systems Service Bulletin March 28, 2007.
65B46124[dash]28[dash]03.
BAE Systems Service Bulletin February 16, 2006.
65B46214[dash]28[dash]01.
BAE Systems Service Bulletin March 28, 2007.
65B46214[dash]28[dash]02.
BAE Systems Service Bulletin March 28, 2007.
65B46214[dash]28[dash]03.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 60665]]
Maintenance Program Revision
(h) Concurrently with accomplishing the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, revise the maintenance program by
incorporating Airworthiness Limitation (AWL) No. 28-AWL-22 of
Section D of the Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP Airworthiness Limitations
(AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D6-13747-
CMR, Revision March 2008. Where the AWL states ``28-31-00,'' the
correct section number is ``28-42-00.''
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision
(i) Concurrently with accomplishing the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, revise Section 1, ``Certificate
Limitations,'' of the applicable Boeing 747 AFM to include the
following statement. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD
into the AFM.
``When the center tank override jettison pumps are selected off,
the amber pump low pressure lights on the Flight Engineer's panel
should illuminate and remain on. If a pump low pressure light on the
Flight Engineer's panel does not illuminate, open the associated
pump circuit breaker.''
Note 3: When a statement identical to that in paragraph (i) 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.
No Alternative Inspections or Inspection Intervals
(j) After accomplishing the action specified in paragraph (h) of
this AD, no alternative inspections or inspection intervals may be
used unless the inspections or inspection intervals are approved as
an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l)
of this AD.
Terminating Action for Maintenance Program Revision
(k) Incorporating AWL No. 28-AWL-22 into the maintenance program
in accordance with paragraph (g) of AD 2008-10-07, Amendment 39-
15513, or AD 2008-10-07 R1, Amendment 39-16070, terminates the
action required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(l)(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. Send information to
ATTN: Douglas Bryant, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-
140S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6505; fax (425) 917-6590.
Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected].
(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office.
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 20, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-24717 Filed 9-30-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P