[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 146 (Tuesday, July 30, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45898-45901]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-18237]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-0618; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-355-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of
comment period.
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SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive
(AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER
series airplanes. That supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking
(SNPRM) proposed to require revising the maintenance program to
incorporate a revision to the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the
maintenance planning data (MPD) document. That SNPRM was prompted by
reports of two in-service occurrences on Model 737-
[[Page 45899]]
400 airplanes of total loss of boost pump pressure of the fuel feed
system, followed by loss of fuel system suction feed capability on one
engine, and in-flight shutdown of the engine. This action revises that
SNPRM by adding Model 777F series airplanes to the applicability. We
are proposing this AD to detect and correct failure of the engine fuel
suction feed of the fuel system, which, in the event of total loss of
the fuel boost pumps, could result in dual engine flameout, inability
to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of the airplane.
Since this action imposes an additional burden over that proposed in
the previous SNPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the
public the chance to comment on this proposed change.
DATES: We must receive comments on this supplemental NPRM by September
13, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, 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, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; 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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sue Lucier, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6438; fax: 425-917-6590; email:
[email protected].
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-2008-0618;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-355-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
We issued a supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to
include an AD that would apply to all The Boeing Company Model 777-200,
-200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes. The earlier SNPRM published
in the Federal Register on March 7, 2013 (78 FR 14722). The earlier
SNPRM proposed to require revising the maintenance program to
incorporate a revision to the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the
MPD document.
Actions Since Earlier SNPRM (78 FR 14722, March 7, 2013) Was Issued
Since we issued the earlier SNPRM (78 FR 14722, March 7, 2013), we
have determined that Model 777F series airplanes are also affected by
the identified unsafe condition and must be included in the
applicablity.
Comment
We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the earlier SNPRM
(78 FR 14722, March 7, 2013). The following presents the comment
received on the earlier SNPRM and the FAA's response to that comment.
Request To Add Airplanes
FedEx asked that Model 777F series airplanes be added to the
applicability identified in paragraph (c) of the earlier SNPRM (78 FR
14722, March 7, 2013), if the intent is to include all Model 777 series
airplanes.
We agree with the commenter to include all Model 777 series
airplanes for the reason provided previously. We have changed paragraph
(c) of this second SNPRM to add Model 777F series airplanes.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this second SNPRM because we evaluated all the
relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same
type design. The change described above expands the scope of the
earlier SNPRM (78 FR 14722, March 7, 2013). 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 second SNPRM.
Proposed Requirements of the Second SNPRM
This second SNPRM revises the earlier SNPRM (78 FR 14722, March 7,
2013), by proposing to add airplanes to the applicability.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 676 airplanes of
U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this
proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Action Labor cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Maintenance Program................ 1 work-hour x $85 per hour $85 per test.......... $57,460, per test.
Revision........................... = $85.
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[[Page 45900]]
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
a cost estimate for the on-condition actions or the optional
terminating action specified in this AD.
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 proposed 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
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2008-0618; Directorate Identifier
2007-NM-355-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by September 13, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR,
-300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 2800, Aircraft Fuel System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of two in-service occurrences on
Model 737-400 airplanes of total loss of boost pump pressure of the
fuel feed system, followed by loss of fuel system suction feed
capability on one engine, and in-flight shutdown of the engine. We
are issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the engine fuel
suction feed of the fuel system, which, in the event of total loss
of the fuel boost pumps, could result in dual engine flameout,
inability to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Maintenance Program Revision
Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the
maintenance program to incorporate the Airworthiness Limitation
(AWL) identified in Appendix 1 of this AD. The initial compliance
time for accomplishing AWL No. AWL-28-101, Engine Fuel Suction Feed
Operational Test, is within 7,500 flight hours or 3 years after the
effective date of this AD, whichever is first.
(h) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and/or Critical Design
Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs)
After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (g) of
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., tests), intervals, or CDCCLs
may be used unless the actions, intervals, or CDCCLs are approved as
an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(i) Credit for Incorporating Previous Maintenance Program Revision
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using AWL No. 28-AWL-101, Engine Fuel
Suction Feed Operational Test, of Section D.2., AWLS--Fuel Systems,
of Section 9, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification
Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D622W001-9, Revision February 2012,
of the Boeing 777 Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document, provided
the revised ``interval'' specified in Appendix 1 of this AD is
incorporated into the existing maintenance program within 90 days
after the effective date of this AD.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(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 emailed to: [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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Sue Lucier,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6438; fax: 425-
917-6590; email: [email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; 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.
Appendix 1
[[Page 45901]]
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AWL No. Task Interval Applicability Description
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28-AWL-101..................... ALI 7,500 FH or 3 ALL Engine Fuel Suction
years, whichever Feed Operational Test
is first.
An Engine Fuel
Suction Feed
Operational Test must
be accomplished
successfully on each
engine individually.
This test is required
in order to protect
against engine
flameout during
suction feed
operations, and must
meet the following
requirements (refer to
Boeing AMM 28-22-00):
Fuel Tank Quantity
Limitations:
Engine No. 1
a. The Center Tank
Fuel Quantity must
not exceed 5,000
lbs (2,270 kg).
b. The Main Tank
No. 1 Fuel
Quantity must be
between 1,400 lbs--
1,600 lbs (600 kg--
800 kg).
Note: Excess fuel
can be transferred
to Main Tank No.
2.
Engine No. 2
a. The Center Tank
Fuel Quantity must
not exceed 5,000
lbs (2,270 kg).
b. The Main Tank
No. 2 Fuel
Quantity must be
between 1,400 lbs--
1,600 lbs (600 kg--
800 kg).
Note: Excess fuel can
be transferred to
Main Tank No. 1.
Test Procedural
Limitations:
1. The Fuel Cross-
Feed Valve must be
CLOSED.
2. The APU Selector
Switch must be
OFF.
3. Idle Engine Warm-
up time of minimum
two minutes with
Boost Pump ON.
4. Idle Engine
Suction Feed
(Boost Pump OFF)
operation for a
minimum of five
minutes.
Note: APU may be used
to start the engines
provided the Fuel
Tank Quantity and
Test Procedural
Limitations are met.
The test is
considered a
success if engine
operation is
maintained during
the five-minute
period and engine
parameters (N1,
N2, and Fuel Flow)
do not decay
relative to those
observed with
Boost Pump ON.
A suction feed
system that fails
the operational
test must be
repaired or
maintained, and
successfully pass
the Engine Suction
Feed Operational
Test prior to
further flight.
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Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 23, 2013.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-18237 Filed 7-29-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P