[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 105 (Wednesday, June 1, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31462-31464]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-12592]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1044; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-033-AD;
Amendment 39-16704; AD 2011-11-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model DC-10-10, DC-
10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40,
DC-10-40F; Model MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11, and MD-11F Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
for the products listed above. That AD currently requires an inspection
to determine if a certain fuel pump housing electrical connector is
installed. The existing AD also requires a revision to the FAA-approved
airplane flight manual (AFM) to advise the flightcrew of the
appropriate procedures for disabling certain fuel pump electrical
circuits following failure of a fuel pump housing electrical connector
if applicable. The existing AD also requires the deactivation of
certain fuel tanks or fuel pumps and the installation of placards if
applicable. The existing AD allows the optional replacement of the fuel
pump housing electrical connectors with new, improved parts, which
would terminate the AFM revisions, deactivation of certain fuel tanks
and fuel pumps, and placard installation. This new AD instead requires
replacing the fuel pump housing electrical connector assembly with a
new part and doing repetitive inspections for continuity, resistance,
and insulation resistance, and doing corrective actions if necessary.
This AD was prompted by reports of failures of a certain fuel pump
housing electrical connector. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct insulation resistance degradation and arcing in the potted
backside of the electrical connector assembly of the fuel boost/
transfer pump housing, which could compromise its performance and cause
an ignition source in the fuel tank, resulting in a fuel tank explosion
and consequent loss of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective July 6, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of July 6, 2011.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800-0019, Long Beach, California 90846-
0001; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 2; fax 206-766-5683; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The address for the
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Philip Kush, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137;
phone: 562-627-5263; fax: 562-627-5210.; e-mail: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2007-15-05, amendment
39-15134 (72 FR 40216, July 24, 2007). That AD applies to the specified
products. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 5,
2010 (75 FR 68246). That NPRM proposed to require replacing the fuel
pump housing electrical assembly with a new part and doing repetitive
inspections for continuity, resistance, and insulation resistance, and
doing corrective actions, if necessary.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request for Addition of Part Number
FedEx requested that we add, in the header above the Summary and
paragraphs (c), (e), and (f) of the proposed AD, the part number of the
fuel pump housing electrical connector assembly requiring replacement.
FedEx stated that the change will clarify the AD and avoid unnecessary
work and cost to the operators.
We partially agree with the commenter. We disagree with adding the
part number of the fuel pump housing electrical connector assembly
requiring replacement to the header information, paragraph (c), and
paragraph (f) of this AD because the affected part could be rotated
onto any of the airplanes listed in the applicability. However, we
agree that clarification of paragraph (h) of this AD (referred to as
paragraph (g) in the NPRM) is needed. In order to comply with this AD,
for all airplanes in the applicability it must be determined if the
fuel pump housing electrical connector assembly having part number (P/
N) 60-84355-1 is installed. We have added paragraph (g) to specify the
inspection to determine the part number. We have also added a reference
of P/N 60-84355-1 to paragraph (h) of this AD for clarification. In
addition, we have added a reference of P/N 60-84355-1 to paragraph (e)
of this AD for clarification.
[[Page 31463]]
Clarification of Paragraph (i) of This AD
We have revised paragraph (i) of this AD by replacing the phrase,
``replacing the fuel pump electrical connector assembly as required by
paragraph (g) of this AD'' with the phrase, ``installing the fuel pump
housing electrical connector assembly having P/N 60-84351, in
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-28A261 or Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A143,'' to clarify that P/N 60-84351 must
be repetitively inspected after installation.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the
AD with the change described previously--and minor editorial changes.
We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 281 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of U.S.-
Action Work hours Average labor Parts Cost per airplane registered Fleet cost
rate per hour airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection....................... Between 20 and 36 $85 $0.................. Between $1,700 and 281 Between $477,700
per inspection $3,060 per and $859,860 per
cycle. inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
Replacement...................... Up to 44............ 85 Up to $4,478........ Up to $8,218........ 281 Up to $2,309,258.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD)
2007-15-05, Amendment 39-15134 (72 FR 40216, July 24, 2007), and adding
the following new AD:
2011-11-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-16704; Docket No. FAA-
2010-1044; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-033-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 6, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-15-05, Amendment 39-15134.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model DC-10-10,
DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-
40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11, and MD-11F airplanes,
certificated in any category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD results from reports of failures of the fuel pump
housing electrical connector having P/N 60-84355-1. The Federal
Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to detect and correct
insulation resistance degradation and arcing in the potted backside
of the electrical connector assembly of the fuel boost/transfer pump
housing, which could compromise its performance and cause an
ignition source in the fuel tank, resulting in a 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.
Inspection and Change
(g) For all airplanes: Within 10 months after the effective date
of this AD, do an inspection of the fuel pump housing electrical
connector to determine if part number (P/N) 60-84355-1 is installed.
A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of
this inspection if the part number of the fuel pump housing
electrical connector can be conclusively determined from that
review.
(h) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this
AD, any airplane is determined to have fuel pump housing electrical
connector assembly having P/N 60-84355-1: Within 10 months after the
effective
[[Page 31464]]
date of this AD, do the actions in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of
this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-28A261, dated December 1, 2009;
or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A143, dated December 2,
2009; as applicable.
(1) Replace the fuel pump housing electrical connector assembly
having P/N 60-84355-1 with new P/N 60-84351; or
(2) Do the actions required by paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and
(h)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Using a digital multi-meter, do a continuity, resistance,
and insulation resistance inspection from the terminal strip through
the fuel boost/transfer pump; and all applicable corrective actions
specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-28A261, dated
December 1, 2009; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A143,
dated December 2, 2009; as applicable. Do all applicable corrective
actions before further flight.
(ii) Within 12 months after accomplishing the inspection
required by paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this AD: Replace the fuel pump
housing electrical connector assembly having P/N 60-84355-1 with a
new fuel pump housing electrical connector assembly having P/N 60-
84351.
(i) Before further flight after installing the new fuel pump
housing electrical connector assembly, insert the applicable interim
operating procedure regarding abnormal operations for failure of the
fuel pump housing electrical connector into the Procedures section
of the applicable Boeing airplane flight manual, in accordance with
the applicable service information identified in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1--Service Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bulletin-- Date-- To the--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing DC-10 Operations Bulletin January 25, 2010.............. Boeing DC-10 Flight Crew Operating Manual.
2-001B.
Boeing MD-10 Flight Crew January 25, 2010.............. Boeing MD-10 Flight Crew Operations Manual.
Operations Manual Advisory
Bulletin 2-01B.
Boeing MD-11 Flight Crew January 25, 2010.............. Boeing MD-11 Flight Crew Operations Manual.
Operations Manual Advisory
Bulletin 2-05C.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive Inspections for P/N 60-84351
(j) Within 18 months after installing the fuel pump housing
electrical connector assembly having P/N 60-84351, in accordance
with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-28A261 or Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin MD11-28A143: Do a continuity, resistance, and
insulation resistance inspection from the terminal strip through the
fuel boost/transfer pump, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-28A261, dated
December 1, 2009; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A143,
dated December 2, 2009; as applicable. Do all applicable corrective
actions before further flight in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-28A261, dated
December 1, 2009; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A143,
dated December 2, 2009; as applicable. Repeat the inspections
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 18 months.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(k)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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 ACO, send it to ATTN: Philip Kush,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles
Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
California 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5263; fax: 562-627-5210; e-
mail: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(l) You must use the service information contained in table 2 of
this AD, as applicable, to do the actions required by this AD,
unless the AD specifies otherwise.
Table 2--All Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Document Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin December 1, 2009.
DC10[dash]28A261.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin December 2, 2009.
MD11[dash]28A143.
Boeing DC-10 Operations Bulletin January 25, 2010.
2[dash]001B to the Boeing DC-10
Flight Crew Operating Manual.
Boeing MD-10 Flight Crew Operations January 25, 2010.
Manual Advisory Bulletin 2-01B to
the Boeing MD-10 Flight Crew
Operations Manual.
Boeing MD-11 Flight Crew Operations January 25, 2010.
Manual Advisory Bulletin 2-05C to
the Boeing MD-11 Flight Crew
Operations Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(The document number of Boeing DC-10 Operations Bulletin 2-001B is
specified only on the first page of the document.)
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information contained in
table 2 of this AD under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800-0019, Long Beach, California 90846-
0001; telephone: 206-544-5000, extension 2; fax: 206-766-5683; e-
mail: [email protected]; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(3) 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.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 12, 2011.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-12592 Filed 5-31-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P