[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 230 (Monday, December 1, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63622-63623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-31667]



[[Page 63621]]

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Part IV





Department of Transportation





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Federal Aviation Administration



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14 CFR Part 39



Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes; Final Rule



14 CFR Part 39



Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, -200, and -300 Series 
Airplanes; Proposed Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 230 / Monday, December 1, 1997 / 
Rules and Regulations

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-271-AD; Amendment 39-10230; AD 97-25-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes. This action 
requires disconnection of the electrical connector to the scavenge pump 
of the center wing tank.
    This AD also requires a one-time inspection to identify the part 
number of the electrical connector; and replacement of the pump with a 
new pump, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by findings from a 
design review and analysis of scavenge pumps installed on certain 
Boeing Model 747 series airplanes that was undertaken as part of an 
accident investigation. The actions specified in this AD are intended 
to prevent potential failures within the electrical motor assembly of 
the scavenge pump, which could result in leakage of fuel from the 
electrical connector into the main landing gear wheel well, or 
electrical arcing within the scavenge pump motor; these conditions 
could result in a fuel fire in the wheel well.

DATES: Effective December 16, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 16, 1997.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before January 30, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-271-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    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 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Hartonas, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S; or G. Michael Collins, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S; FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2864 or 
(425) 227-2689; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 17, 1996, a Boeing Model 747 series 
airplane was involved in an accident shortly after takeoff from John F. 
Kennedy International Airport in Jamaica, New York. The National 
Transport Safety Board (NTSB) has not yet determined the cause of that 
accident. In support of the subsequent accident investigation, the FAA 
recently conducted an engineering design review and analysis on certain 
Lear Romec scavenge pumps. Results of inspections on scavenge pumps 
removed from the center wing fuel tank of older Boeing Model 747 series 
airplanes indicated degradation of certain silicone insulating grommet 
material in electrical connectors of the pump due to the 
incompatibility of this material with fuel.
    Damage to the electrical connector, which is part of the electrical 
motor assembly of the scavenge pump, could cause potential failures 
within the electrical motor assembly of the scavenge pump. Such 
failures could result in leakage of fuel from the electrical connector 
into the main landing gear wheel well, or electrical arcing within the 
scavenge pump motor. These conditions could result in a fuel fire in 
the wheel well.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-28A2206, dated September 25, 1997, which describes procedures for 
disconnection of the electrical connector to the scavenge pump of the 
center wing tank. The alert service bulletin also describes procedures 
for a one-time inspection to identify the part number of the electrical 
connector; and replacement of the pump with a new pump, if necessary.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Boeing Model 747 series airplanes of the same 
type design, this AD is being issued to prevent potential failures 
within the electrical motor assembly of the scavenge pump, which could 
result in a fuel fire in the wheel well. This AD requires disconnection 
of the electrical connector to the scavenge pump of the center wing 
tank. This AD also requires a one-time inspection to identify the part 
number of the electrical connector; and replacement of the pump with a 
new pump, if necessary. The actions are required to be accomplished in 
accordance with the alert service bulletin described previously.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
    Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be 
submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption 
``ADDRESSES.'' All communications received on or before the closing 
date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in 
light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the 
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional 
rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 97-NM-271-AD.'' The

[[Page 63623]]

postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

97-25-06  Boeing: Amendment 39-10230. Docket 97-NM-271-AD.

    Applicability: Model 747 series airplanes having line positions 
001 through 971 inclusive, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise 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 (c) 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 potential failures within the electrical motor 
assembly of the scavenge pump, which could result in a fuel fire in 
the wheel well, accomplish the following:
    (a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD: Within 90 
days after the effective date of this AD, disconnect the electrical 
connector to the scavenge pump of the center wing tank; and perform 
a one-time inspection of the pump to identify the part number of the 
electrical connector; in accordance with Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-28A2206, dated September 25, 1997.
    (1) If an electrical connector having the correct part number 
(as specified in the alert service bulletin) is installed: Prior to 
further flight, reinstall the electrical connector. No further 
action is required by this AD.
    (2) If an electrical connector having a part number other than 
the correct part number (as specified in the alert service bulletin) 
is installed: Prior to further flight, replace the scavenge pump 
with a new scavenge pump with an electrical connector having the 
correct part number (as specified in the alert service bulletin) in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service 
bulletin.
    (b) If a scavenge pump with an electrical connector having the 
correct part number (as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-28A2206, dated September 25, 1997) is not available for 
installation: The airplane may be operated with the scavenge pump 
deactivated in accordance with the provisions and limitations 
specified in the FAA-approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL) and 
paragraph III.A.3. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert 
service bulletin.
    (c) 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.

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

    (d) 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.
    (e) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance 
with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2206, dated September 25, 
1997. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director 
of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51. 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.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on December 16, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 26, 1997.
Ronald T. Wojnar,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-31667 Filed 11-28-97; 10:56 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U