63622 Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 230 / Monday, December 1, 1997 / Rules and Regulations

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.

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

§ 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