[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 250 (Thursday, December 30, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 82337-82340]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-33000]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1271; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-187-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -300,
and -300ER Series 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 the
products listed above. This proposed AD would require installing an
auto shutoff feature for the center override/jettison fuel pumps, and
installing power control circuitry for the center
[[Page 82338]]
override/jettison and main jettison fuel pumps. This proposed AD would
also require installing new software in the electrical load management
system (ELMS) electronics units in certain power management panels;
installing airplane information management system 2 (AIMS-2) software
in the AIMS-2 hardware; and making certain wiring changes. This
proposed AD was prompted by results from fuel system reviews conducted
by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent the potential
of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with
flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and
consequent loss of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 14,
2011.
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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For Boeing 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. For GE
Aviation service information identified in this proposed AD, contact GE
Aviation, Customer Services--Clearwater, P.O. Box 9013, Clearwater,
Florida 33758; telephone 727-539-1631; fax 727-539-0680; e-mail
[email protected]. 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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Georgios Roussos, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 917-6482; fax (425) 917-6590; e-mail:
[email protected].
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-2010-1271;
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-187-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
The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in 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''
(66 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 a 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 a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
Results of a safety assessment revealed that there is a small risk
of an ignition source in a fuel tank if a center override/jettison fuel
pump or a main jettison fuel pump continues to run when there is no
fuel at the pump inlet, or when the pumps are commanded to stop running
(commanded off) and they remain on. When a pump runs after the fuel
level goes below the pump inlet, there is a small risk that the pump
can cause an ignition source in the fuel tank from an overheat
condition, electrical arcs, or frictional sparks. This condition, if
not corrected, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent
loss of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0047, Revision 5, dated
September 20, 2010. That service information describes procedures for
installing a new P301 panel on the left side of the airplane,
installing a new P302 panel on the right side of the airplane, and
changing the wiring; and performing certain bonding resistance
measurements and reworking the airplane installation to verify that
[[Page 82339]]
certain bonding requirements are met if necessary.
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0047, Revision 5, dated September
20, 2010, specifies prior or concurrent accomplishment of the following
service bulletins:
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0040, Revision 1, dated
March 18, 2010, which describes procedures for installing new software
in the ELMS electronics units in the P110, P210, and P310 power
management panels.
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-31-0097,
Revision 3, dated February 22, 2007, which describes procedures for
installing AIMS-2 software in the AIMS-2 hardware.
GE Aviation Service Bulletin 5000ELM-28-456, Revision 1,
dated January 7, 2010, which describes procedures for changing the
wiring of the ELMS P110 left power management panel.
GE Aviation Service Bulletin 6000ELM-28-457, Revision 1,
dated January 7, 2010, which describes procedures for changing the
wiring of the ELMS P210 right power management panel.
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 these same type
designs.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information described previously, except as discussed
under ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service
Information.''
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-31-0097, Revision 3,
dated February 22, 2007, specifies a compliance time of 60 months. This
AD requires a 36-month compliance time to install the AIMS-2 software
upgrade. This difference has been coordinated with the manufacturer.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 2 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Installation: Groups 1 and 2, 149 work-hours x $15,719 $28,384.............. $56,768.
Configuration 2. $85 per hour =
$12,665.
Installation: Groups 1 and 2, 2 work-hours x $85 15,719 $15,889.............. $31,778.
Configuration 1. per hour = $170.
Concurrent requirement: Install 3 work-hours x $85 0 $255................. $510.
ELMS software. per hour = $255.
Concurrent requirement: Upgrade Up to 2 work-hours 0 Up to $170........... Up to $340.
AIMS2 software. x $85 per hour =
Up to $170.
Concurrent requirement: P110 3 work-hours x $85 1,164 $1,419............... $2,838.
wiring changes. per hour = $255.
Concurrent requirement: P210 3 work-hours x $85 1,164 $1,419............... $2,838.
wiring changes. per hour = $255.
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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 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
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):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2010-1271; Directorate Identifier
2010-NM-187-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by February 14, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -300, and -300ER series
airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing
Service Bulletin 777-28A0047, Revision 5, dated September 20, 2010.
Subject
(d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport
Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.
[[Page 82340]]
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD was prompted by results from fuel system reviews
conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent the
potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in
combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank
explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
Compliance
(f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Installation
(g) For airplanes in Groups 1 and 2, Configuration 2, as
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0047, Revision 5, dated
September 20, 2010: Within 36 months after the effective date of
this AD, install a new P301 panel on the left side of the airplane,
install a new P302 panel on the right side of the airplane, and
change the wiring, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0047, Revision 5,
dated September 20, 2010.
(h) For airplanes in Groups 1 and 2, Configuration 1, as
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0047, Revision 5, dated
September 20, 2010: Within 36 months after the effective date of
this AD, perform bonding resistance measurements and rework the
airplane installation if necessary, depending on airplane
configuration, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0047, Revision 5, dated September 20,
2010.
Concurrent Requirements
(i) Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the requirements
of paragraph (g) of this AD, do the actions in paragraphs (i)(1),
(i)(2), (i)(3), and (i)(4) of this AD.
(1) Install new software in the electrical load management
system (ELMS) electronics units in the P110, P210, and P310 power
management panels, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0040, Revision 1,
dated March 18, 2010.
(2) Install airplane information management system 2 (AIMS-2)
software in the AIMS-2 hardware, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777-31-0097, Revision 3, dated February 22, 2007.
(3) Modify the P110 left power management panel by incorporating
wiring changes, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of GE Aviation Service Bulletin 5000ELM-28-456, Revision 1, dated
January 7, 2010.
(4) Modify the P210 right power management panel by
incorporating wiring changes, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of GE Aviation Service Bulletin 6000ELM-28-457,
Revision 1, dated January 7, 2010.
Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service
Information
(j) Installations done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-28A0040, dated
April 13, 2007, are acceptable for compliance with the requirements
of paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
(k) Installations done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0047, Revision 3,
dated June 11, 2009; or Revision 4, dated May 20, 2010; are
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (g)
and (h) of this AD.
(l) Installations done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-31-
0097, dated March 30, 2006; Revision 1, dated August 10, 2006; or
Revision 2, dated October 26, 2006; are acceptable for compliance
with the requirements of paragraph (i)(2) of this AD.
Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement
(m) A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is
not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20591, Attn:
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(n)(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 the Related Information
section of this AD. Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your Principal
Maintenance Inspector or Principal Avionics Inspector, as
appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight
Standards District Office.
Related Information
(o) For more information about this AD, contact Georgios
Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S,
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6482; fax (425)
917-6590; e-mail: [email protected].
(p) For Boeing service information identified in this 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. For GE
Aviation service information identified in this AD, contact GE
Aviation, Customer Services--Clearwater, P.O. Box 9013, Clearwater,
Florida 33758; telephone 727-539-1631; fax 727-539-0680; e-mail
[email protected]. You may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, the FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 17, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager,Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-33000 Filed 12-29-10; 8:45 am]
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