[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 106 (Thursday, June 1, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34935-34938]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-13447]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-228-AD; Amendment 39-11756; AD 2000-11-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 and 767 Series 
Airplanes Powered by General Electric Model CF6-80C2 Series Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 and 767 series airplanes, 
that currently requires revising the FAA-approved Airplane Flight 
Manual (AFM) to prohibit the use of certain fuels; and either replacing 
an existing placard with a new placard, or replacing all dribble flow 
fuel nozzles (DFFN) with standard fuel nozzles, which terminates the 
requirements for the new placard and AFM revision. This amendment 
continues these requirements and adds identical requirements applicable 
to airplanes on which standard fuel nozzles are not installed. This 
amendment is prompted by a report of an engine flameout due to use of 
JP-4 or Jet B fuel during certification testing on an engine with 
DFFN's installed.
    The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such 
engine flameouts and consequent engine shutdown.

DATES: Effective July 6, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 6, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain other publications, as 
listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of May 1, 1998 (63 FR 18817, April 16, 1998).

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of 
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dionne M. Krebs, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2250; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 98-08-23, 
amendment 39-10472 (63 FR 18817, April 16, 1998), which is applicable 
to certain Boeing Model 747 and 767 series airplanes, was published in 
the Federal Register on December 15, 1999 (64 FR 69964). The action 
proposed to continue the requirements of AD 98-08-23 and add identical 
requirements applicable to airplanes on which standard fuel nozzles are 
not installed.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Request To Add New Part Number to Table 1

    Two commenters request that Table 1 of the proposed rule be revised 
to include a certain General Electric (GE) fuel flow nozzle. Table 1 of 
the proposed rule lists GE fuel nozzles that are acceptable for 
installation. The commenters state that the GE fuel flow nozzle having 
part number 9331M72P22 is a previously certified standard (i.e., non-
dribble) fuel nozzle configuration that should be included on this 
list. The FAA concurs with the commenters' request and has revised 
Table 1 of this final rule accordingly.

Request To List Dribble Flow Fuel Nozzle Part Numbers

    One commenter requests that, in order to preclude the need for 
future rulemaking, the FAA revise the proposed rule to list the part 
numbers for the dribble flow fuel nozzles (DFFN), rather than the 
acceptable part numbers, in Table 1 of this AD or to reference the GE 
service bulletin. The commenter notes that the proposed rule references 
acceptable GE fuel nozzle part numbers

[[Page 34936]]

instead of DFFN part numbers to avoid the need for future AD revisions 
as new DFFN part numbers are approved. However, the commenter points 
out that, as GE improves its products, the list of acceptable part 
numbers may expand beyond those listed in Table 1 of the proposed rule. 
The commenter also indicates that the wording of the proposed rule is 
confusing because the existing AD referenced DFFN part numbers 
directly.
    The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request. The FAA 
concurs with the commenter's statement that listing standard fuel 
nozzle part numbers in Table 1 of the proposed rule is intended to 
avoid future AD revisions as new DFFN part numbers are approved. 
However, if the FAA was to continue to list DFFN part numbers in the 
proposed AD, the only way to require a restriction on wide cut fuels 
for Model 747 and 767 series airplanes equipped with DFFN's certified 
in the future would be to supersede this AD. The FAA finds it 
inappropriate to impose the additional administrative burden of a 
supersedure of this AD on operators (as well as on the FAA itself). 
Also, the FAA notes that standard fuel nozzle part numbers certified in 
the future (and, therefore, not listed in Table 1 of the proposed rule) 
can be approved as an alternative method of compliance to this AD, in 
accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. No change to the final 
rule is necessary in this regard.

Request To Revise Applicable Service Bulletins

    One commenter requests that the applicable service bulletins be 
revised to include in the effectivity listing only airplanes that are 
currently operating with DFFN's. The commenter notes that Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-11A2052, Revision 1, dated August 5, 1999, 
includes additional airplanes in the effectivity listing. The commenter 
states that these airplanes were added to the effectivity listing to 
ensure that all affected airplanes are modified in accordance with the 
alert service bulletin. The commenter also states that the proposed 
rule does not consider airplanes having documentation that specifies 
compliant delivery configurations. The commenter notes that some 
operators that have airplanes already in full compliance with this AD 
will have to apply to the FAA for relief, which will cost additional 
time and effort for both the FAA and affected operators. The commenter 
states that its airplanes are not subject to the requirements of the 
existing AD, but under the proposed rule, it will have to show 
compliance for airplanes that are not affected.
    The FAA acknowledges that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
11A2052, Revision 1, adds airplanes to the effectivity listing of that 
service bulletin. However, the FAA does not concur with the commenter 
that airplanes added to the effectivity listing of Revision 1 of the 
alert service bulletin are not subject to the existing AD. AD 98-08-23 
is applicable to all Boeing Model 747 and 767 series airplanes powered 
by GE Model CF6-80C2 series engines. The airplanes added to the 
effectivity listing of Revision 1 of the service bulletin were added to 
make the service bulletin consistent with the applicability of AD 98-
08-23. The applicability of the proposed rule is the same as that of 
the existing AD. The FAA finds that no change to the service bulletin 
is necessary.
    The FAA also does not concur with the commenter that the proposed 
rule does not provide for airplanes with documentation that specifies 
compliant delivery configurations. If an operator has documentation 
provided by the manufacturer upon delivery of a new airplane that 
positively shows that the airplane is equipped with fuel nozzles having 
part numbers listed in Table 1 of this AD, no further action is 
necessary, provided that all of the other airplanes in the operator's 
fleet are equipped with standard (non-DFFN) nozzles.
    The FAA also does not concur with the commenter that its airplanes 
are not subject to the existing AD because the operator's fleet 
includes only airplanes equipped with standard fuel flow nozzles. As 
explained previously, AD 98-08-23 applies to all Boeing Model 747 and 
767 series airplanes powered by GE CF6-80C2 series engines. Therefore, 
the Model 747 and 767 series airplanes powered by General Electric CF6-
80C2 series engines in the commenter's fleet are subject to the 
requirements of AD 98-08-23. The fact that the operator has no airplane 
equipped with DFFN's having the affected part numbers means that the 
operator is not required to restrict the use of wide cut fuels. 
However, if the operator introduces an airplane with DFFN's into its 
fleet, it would be required to comply with the Airplane Flight Manual 
(AFM) revision and placarding requirements described in AD 98-08-23 and 
retained in this AD. No change to the final rule is necessary in this 
regard.

Request To Make Paragraph (c)(1) Consistent With AFM

    One commenter requests that the FAA revise paragraph (c)(1) of the 
proposed rule to be consistent with the wording used in the applicable 
Boeing AFM. The commenter states that the Boeing AFM's do not add the 
sentence identified in paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) and (c)(2) of the proposed 
rule to paragraph 2 of the Engine Fuel System section of the AFM. 
Instead, the sentence is included in paragraph 1 of the Engine Fuel 
System section of the AFM. Therefore, the commenter proposes moving the 
sentence in paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) and (c)(2) to the end of the 
paragraphs provided in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (c)(1) of the proposed 
rule.
    The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request. The proposed 
rule carries over the requirements of AD 98-08-23, including the 
changes to the text of the AFM. Because the commenter's proposal does 
not substantively change the intent of the proposed AFM revision, the 
FAA considers such a change to the proposed rule to be unnecessary and 
potentially confusing. The operator may choose to obtain approval for 
its proposed wording by requesting an alternative method of compliance 
in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. No change to the final 
rule is necessary in this regard.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the change previously 
described. The FAA has determined that this change will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 430 Model 747 and 767 series airplanes of 
the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 115 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
    The AFM revision that is currently required by AD 98-08-23, and 
retained in this AD, takes approximately 1 work hour per airplane to 
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of this current requirement on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $6,900, or $60 per airplane.
    The placard replacement that is currently required by AD 98-08-23, 
and retained in this AD, takes approximately 1 work hour per airplane 
to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required 
parts cost approximately $12 per airplane. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of this current requirement on U.S. operators is

[[Page 34937]]

estimated to be $8,280, or $72 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-10472 (63 FR 
18817, April 16, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-11756, to read as follows:

2000-11-08  Boeing: Amendment 39-11756. Docket 99-NM-228-AD. 
Supersedes AD 98-08-23, amendment 39-10472.

    Applicability: Model 747 and 767 series airplanes, powered by 
General Electric Model CF6-80C2 series engines, certificated in any 
category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) 
of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect 
of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent engine flameouts due to the use of JP-4 or Jet B fuel 
on certain engines with dribble flow fuel nozzles (DFFN) installed, 
and consequent engine shutdown, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 98-08-23

Airplane Flight Manual Revision

    (a) If a DFFN having General Electric part number 9331M72P33, 
9331M72P34, or 9331M72P41 is installed on any airplane in a specific 
operator's fleet, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) 
and (a)(2) of this AD; in accordance with either Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-11A2052, dated September 11, 1997, or Revision 
1, dated August 5, 1999 (for Model 747 series airplanes); or Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 767-11A0031, dated September 11, 1997, or 
Revision 1, dated August 12, 1999 (for Model 767 series airplanes); 
as applicable.
    (1) Within 14 days after May 1, 1998 (the effective date of AD 
98-08-23), all airplanes in a specific operator's fleet must revise 
Section 1 of the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved AFM to 
include the following procedures. This may be accomplished by 
inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM.
    (i) Revise paragraph 1 of the Engine Fuel System section to read 
as follows: ``The fuel designation is General Electric (GE) 
Specification D50TF2, as revised. Fuel conforming to commercial jet 
fuel specification ASTM-D-1655, Jet A, and Jet A-1 are authorized 
for unlimited use in this engine. Fuels conforming to MIL-T-5624 
grade JP-5 and MIL-T-83113 grade JP-8 are acceptable alternatives. 
The engine will operate satisfactorily with any of the foregoing 
fuels or any mixture thereof.'' And,
    (ii) Add the following sentence to paragraph 2 of the Engine 
Fuel System section: ``The use of Jet B and JP-4 fuel is 
prohibited.''

Modification

    (2) Within 30 days after May 1, 1998, all airplanes in a 
specific operator's fleet must accomplish the requirements of 
paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
    (i) Remove the existing placard on the door of the fueling 
control panel and replace it with a new placard that restricts the 
use of JP-4 and Jet B fuels (wide cut fuels), in accordance with the 
applicable alert service bulletin. Or
    (ii) Remove the DFFN's, and replace them with standard fuel 
nozzles, in accordance with the applicable alert service bulletin. 
When an operator's entire fleet has had all DFFN's replaced with 
standard fuel nozzles, the AFM revision required by paragraphs 
(a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD may be removed from the AFM, and 
the placard required by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this AD may be 
removed from each airplane.

Spares

    (b) As of May 1, 1998, no person shall install any DFFN having 
General Electric part number 9331M72P33, 9331M72P34, or 9331M72P41 
on any airplane unless the requirements specified by paragraphs 
(a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii), and (a)(2)(i) of this AD have been 
accomplished for the operator's entire fleet.

New Requirements of This AD

Airplane Flight Manual Revision

    (c) If a fuel nozzle NOT having one of the General Electric part 
numbers listed in Table 1 of this AD is installed on any airplane in 
a specific operator's fleet: Within 14 days after the effective date 
of this AD, revise Section 1 of the Limitations Section of the FAA-
approved AFM for each airplane in the operator's fleet to include 
the following procedures. This may be accomplished by inserting a 
copy of this AD into the AFM.

   Table 1.--General Electric Fuel Nozzles Acceptable for Installation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Part Number
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
9331M72P14
9331M72P20
9331M72P21
9331M72P22
9331M72P23
9331M72P24
9331M72P27
9331M72P28
9331M72P39
9331M72P40
1968M49P03
1968M49P04
1968M49P05
1968M49P06
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) Revise paragraph 1 of the Engine Fuel System section to read 
as follows: ``The fuel designation is General Electric (GE) 
Specification D50TF2, as revised. Fuel conforming to commercial jet 
fuel specification ASTM-D-1655, Jet A, and Jet A-1 are authorized 
for unlimited use in this engine. Fuels conforming to MIL-T-5624 
grade JP-5 and MIL-T-83113 grade JP-8 are acceptable alternatives. 
The engine will operate satisfactorily with any of the foregoing 
fuels or any mixture thereof.'' And,
    (2) Add the following sentence to paragraph 2 of the Engine Fuel 
System section: ``The use of Jet B and JP-4 fuel is prohibited.''

[[Page 34938]]

Modification

    (d) If a fuel nozzle NOT having one of the General Electric part 
numbers listed in Table 1 of this AD is installed on any airplane in 
a specific operator's fleet: Within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (d)(1) or 
(d)(2) of this AD on each airplane in the operator's fleet, in 
accordance with either Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-11A2052, 
Revision 1, dated August 5, 1999 (for Model 747 series airplanes); 
or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-11A0031, Revision 1, dated 
August 12, 1999 (for Model 767 series airplanes); as applicable.
    (1) Remove the existing placard on the door of the fueling 
control panel and replace it with a new placard that restricts the 
use of JP-4 and Jet B fuels (wide cut fuels), in accordance with the 
applicable alert service bulletin. Or
    (2) Remove any fuel nozzle having a part number NOT listed in 
Table 1 of this AD, and replace it with a fuel nozzle having a part 
number listed in Table 1 of this AD, in accordance with the 
applicable alert service bulletin. When an operator's entire fleet 
has only fuel nozzles having a part number listed in Table 1 of this 
AD installed, the AFM revision required by paragraph (c) of this AD 
may be removed from the AFM, and the placard required by paragraph 
(d)(1) of this AD may be removed from each airplane.
    (e) Except as provided by paragraphs (b) and (f) of this AD, if 
all fuel nozzles installed on any airplane in a specific operator's 
fleet have one of the General Electric part numbers listed in Table 
1 of this AD, no further action is required by this AD.

Spares

    (f) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
any fuel nozzle NOT having one of the General Electric part numbers 
listed in Table 1 of this AD on any airplane unless the requirements 
specified by paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (d)(1) of this AD have 
been accomplished for the operator's entire fleet.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (g)(1) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Seattle ACO.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 98-08-23, amendment 39-10472, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (h) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (i) Except as provided by paragraph (c) of this AD, the actions 
shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
11A2052, dated September 11, 1997, or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-11A2052, Revision 1, dated August 5, 1999 (for Model 747 series 
airplanes); or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-11A0031, dated 
September 11, 1997, or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-11A0031, 
Revision 1, dated August 12, 1999 (for Model 767 series airplanes); 
as applicable.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-11A2052, Revision 1, dated August 5, 1999; and Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 767-11A0031, Revision 1, dated August 12, 
1999; is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-11A2052, dated September 11, 1997; and Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 767-11A0031, dated September 11, 1997; was approved 
previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 1, 1998 
(63 FR 18817, April 16, 1998).
    (3) Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane 
Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Effective Date

    (j) This amendment becomes effective on July 6, 2000.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 23, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-13447 Filed 5-31-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U