Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 2 / Monday, January 5, 1998 / Proposed Rules 169

(ii) For disks with 6,500 or more CSN, and

less than 3,000 CIS since last shop visit, on

the effective date of this AD, inspect within

4,000 CIS since the last shop visit, or at the

next shop visit, whichever occurs first.

(iii) For disks with less than 6,500 CSN on

the effective date of this AD, inspect at the

next shop visit after the effective date of this

AD, but before exceeding 4,000 CIS since last

shop visit, or 7,500 CSN, whichever occurs

later.

(iv) For uninstalled disks on or after the

effective date of this AD, inspect prior to

installation.

(2) Thereafter, perform ECI for cracks at

intervals not to exceed 4,000 CIS since last

ECI.

(3) Prior to further flight, remove cracked

disks and replace with serviceable parts.

(c) Inspect 14th stage HPC disks, P/N’s

704314, 789814, and 790214, in accordance

with NDIP–858, dated November 7, 1995,

attached to PW ASB No. A6232, Revision 1,

dated January 11, 1996, as follows:

(1) Perform an initial ECI for cracks as

follows:

(i) For disks with 2,000 or more CSN, and

2,000 or more CIS since last shop visit, on

the effective date of this AD, inspect within

the next 1,000 CIS after the effective date of

this AD, or at the next shop visit, whichever

occurs first.

(ii) For disks with 2,000 or more CSN, and

less than 2,000 CIS since last shop visit, on

the effective date of this AD, inspect within

3,000 CIS since the last shop visit, or at the

next shop visit, whichever occurs first.

(iii) For disks with 2,000 or more CSN, and

no previous shop visits, inspect within 3,000

CIS after the effective date of this AD, or at

the next shop visit, whichever occurs first.

(iv) For disks with less than 2,000 CSN on

the effective date of this AD, inspect at the

next shop visit after the effective date of this

AD, but before exceeding 5,000 CSN.

(iv) For uninstalled disks on or after the

effective date of this AD, inspect prior to

installation.

(2) Thereafter, perform ECI for cracks at

intervals not to exceed 3,000 CIS since last

ECI.

(3) Prior to further flight, remove cracked

disks and replace with serviceable parts.

(d) Within 30 days of inspection, report

inspection results on the form labeled ‘‘14th

and 15th Stage HPC Disk Inspection Report,’’

to Pratt & Whitney Customer Technical

Support. The fax number is listed on that

form which is attached to PW ASB No. JT9D–

7R4–A72–524, dated December 13, 1995.

Reporting requirements have been approved

by the Office of Management and Budget and

assigned OMB control number 2120–0056.

(e) For the purpose of this AD, a shop visit

is defined as a low pressure turbine module

removal from an uninstalled engine.

(f) 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, Engine

Certification Office. Operators shall submit

their requests through an appropriate FAA

Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may

add comments and then send it to the

Manager, Engine Certification Office.

Note 2: Information concerning the

existence of approved alternative methods of

compliance with this airworthiness directive,

if any, may be obtained from the Engine

Certification Office.

(g) 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 aircraft to

a location where the requirements of this AD

can be accomplished.

Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on

December 23, 1997.

Jay J. Pardee,

Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate,

Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 98–69 Filed 1–2–98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97–NM–78–AD]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing

Model 777 Series Airplanes Equipped

With Pratt & Whitney Engines and

Used in Extended Range Twin-Engine

Operations (ETOPS)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking

(NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes the

adoption of a new airworthiness

directive (AD) that is applicable to

certain Boeing Model 777 series

airplanes equipped with Pratt &

Whitney engines. This proposal would

require replacement of the integrated

drive generator (IDG) and the backup

generator with a new IDG and a new

backup generator. This proposal is

prompted by reports of IDG shaft failure

resulting from design problems in the

hydraulic and mechanical systems of

the generator, and by reports of backup

generator failure resulting from the

failure of the oil pressure switch. The

actions specified by the proposed AD

are intended to prevent continued

degradation of the power system, which

could result in loss of electrical power.

DATES: Comments must be received by

February 19, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport

Airplane Directorate, ANM–114,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 97–NM–

78–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,

Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Comments may be inspected at this

location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00

p.m., Monday through Friday, except

Federal holidays.

The service information referenced in

the proposed rule 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Chris Hartonas, Aerospace Engineer,

Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–

130S, FAA, Transport Airplane

Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification

Office; 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,

Washington 98055–4056; telephone

(425) 227–2864; fax (425) 227–1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to

participate in the making of the

proposed 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 above. All communications

received on or before the closing date

for comments, specified above, will be

considered before taking action on the

proposed rule. The proposals contained

in this notice may be changed in light

of the comments received.

Comments are specifically invited on

the overall regulatory, economic,

environmental, and energy aspects of

the proposed 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

summarizing each FAA-public contact

concerned with the substance of this

proposal will be filed in the Rules

Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to

acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this notice

must submit a self-addressed, stamped

postcard on which the following

statement is made: ‘‘Comments to

Docket No. 97–NM–78–AD.’’ The

postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRM’s

Any person may obtain a copy of this

NPRM by submitting a request to the

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

ANM–114, Attention: Rules Docket No.

97–NM–78–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue,

SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Discussion

The FAA has been monitoring the

reliability of the electrical power system
170 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 2 / Monday, January 5, 1998 / Proposed Rules

of the Boeing Model 777 series airplane

since its introduction into service.

Design modifications that have

improved the reliability of the electrical

power system have been incorporated

on Model 777 series airplanes equipped

with Rolls-Royce and General Electric

engines; these modifications are

proposed to be incorporated on Model

777 series airplanes equipped with Pratt

& Whitney engines and used in

extended range twin-engine operations

(ETOPS) to bring systems reliability

within acceptable levels.

The FAA has received reports

indicating that the backup generator and

the shaft of the integrated drive

generator (IDG) failed on certain Boeing

Model 777 series airplanes. Specifically,

the FAA received five reports of IDG

shaft failures. Investigation revealed

problems with the generator’s hydraulic

and mechanical systems.

Further, numerous failures of the

backup generator have been reported by

operators. Investigation revealed that

the pressure relief valve in the backup

generator may cause excessive

fluctuation of the oil-in pressure. This

fluctuation may result in failure of the

low oil pressure switch, and consequent

failure of the backup generator.

These conditions, if not corrected,

could result in continued degradation of

the power system and consequent loss

of electrical power.

Explanation of Relevant Service

Information

The FAA has reviewed and approved

Boeing Service Bulletin 777–24–0012,

dated August 1, 1996, which describes

procedures for replacing the IDG with a

unit having a different part number.

Replacement of the existing IDG with an

IDG of improved design will reduce

torque on the IDG shaft and wear on the

IDG fixed blocks.

The FAA also has reviewed and

approved Boeing Service Bulletin 777–

24–0017, Revision 1, dated April 10,

1997, which describes procedures for

replacing the backup generator with a

new backup generator.

Accomplishment of the actions

specified in the service bulletins is

intended to adequately address the

identified unsafe condition.

Explanation of Requirements of

Proposed Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been

identified that is likely to exist or

develop on other products of this same

type design, the proposed AD would

require replacement of the IDG and the

backup generator with a new IDG and a

new backup generator. The actions

would be required to be accomplished

in accordance with the service bulletins

described previously.

Cost Impact

There are approximately 38 Boeing

Model 777 series airplanes of the

affected design in the worldwide fleet.

The FAA estimates that 22 airplanes of

U.S. registry would be affected by this

proposed AD, that it would take

approximately 18 work hours per

airplane to accomplish the proposed

actions, and that the average labor rate

is $60 per work hour. Required parts

would cost approximately $50,000 per

airplane. Based on these figures, the cost

impact of the proposed AD on U.S.

operators is estimated to be $1,123,760,

or $51,080 per airplane.

The cost impact figure discussed

above is based on assumptions that no

operator has yet accomplished any of

the proposed 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 proposed herein

would 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

proposal would not have sufficient

federalism implications to warrant the

preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I

certify that 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); and (3) if

promulgated, 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 copy of the draft

regulatory evaluation prepared for this

action is contained in the Rules Docket.

A copy of it may be obtained by

contacting the Rules Docket at the

location provided under the caption

ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation

safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the

authority delegated to me by the

Administrator, the Federal Aviation

Administration proposes to amend 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:

Boeing: Docket 97–NM–78–AD.

Applicability: Model 777 series airplanes

equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines and

used in Extended Range Twin-Engine

Operations (ETOPS); as listed in Boeing

Service Bulletins 777–24–0017, Revision 1,

dated April 10, 1997, and 777–24–0012,

dated August 1, 1996; 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 (b) 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 failure of the integrated drive

generator (IDG) shaft and the backup

generator, which could result in continued

degradation of the power system and

consequent loss of electrical power,

accomplish the following:

(a) Within 8 months after the effective date

of this AD, accomplish the requirements of

paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, as

applicable.

(1) For airplanes identified in Boeing

Service Bulletin 777–24–0012, dated August

1, 1996: Replace the IDG with a new IDG in

accordance with Figure 1 or Figure 2 of the

service bulletin, as applicable.

(2) For airplanes identified in Boeing

Service Bulletin 777–24–0017, Revision 1,

dated April 10, 1997: Replace the backup

generator and its engine wiring harness with

new components in accordance with the

service bulletin.

(b) 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). 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
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 2 / Monday, January 5, 1998 / Proposed Rules 171

compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the Seattle ACO.

(c) 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.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on

December 29, 1997.

Darrell M. Pederson,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 98–118 Filed 1–2–98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97–NM–193–AD]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Dassault

Model Mystere Falcon 900 Series

Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking

(NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes the

adoption of a new airworthiness

directive (AD) that is applicable to

certain Dassault Aviation Model

Mystere Falcon 900 series airplanes.

This proposal would require

replacement of the water heater control

relays with improved relays having

high-power contactors; the addition of a

testing and monitoring circuit for each

contactor; and installation of improved

electrical bonding of the potable water

tank. This proposal is prompted by

issuance of mandatory continuing

airworthiness information by a foreign

civil airworthiness authority. The

actions specified by the proposed AD

are intended to prevent overheating of

the water heaters for the galley or the

washbasin, which could result in

damage to the water heater and nearby

electrical wiring, and consequent smoke

in the cabin.

DATES: Comments must be received by

February 4, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport

Airplane Directorate, ANM–114,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 97–NM–

193–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,

Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Comments may be inspected at this

location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00

p.m., Monday through Friday, except

Federal holidays.

The service information referenced in

the proposed rule may be obtained from

Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation,

Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box 2000, South

Hackensack, New Jersey 07606. This

information may be examined at the

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,

Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,

Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601

Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington

98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2110;

fax (425) 227–1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to

participate in the making of the

proposed 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 above. All communications

received on or before the closing date

for comments, specified above, will be

considered before taking action on the

proposed rule. The proposals contained

in this notice may be changed in light

of the comments received.

Comments are specifically invited on

the overall regulatory, economic,

environmental, and energy aspects of

the proposed 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

summarizing each FAA-public contact

concerned with the substance of this

proposal will be filed in the Rules

Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to

acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this notice

must submit a self-addressed, stamped

postcard on which the following

statement is made: ‘‘Comments to

Docket Number 97–NM–193–AD.’’ The

postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this

NPRM by submitting a request to the

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

ANM–114, Attention: Rules Docket No.

97–NM–193–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue,

SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Discussion

The Direction Ge ́ne ́rale de l’Aviation

Civile (DGAC), which is the

airworthiness authority for France,

notified the FAA that an unsafe

condition may exist on certain Dassault

Aviation Model Mystere Falcon 900

series airplanes. The DGAC advises that

three occurrences have been reported in

which the ground crew detected a

burning smell coming from the

washbasin in the rear toilet. The water

heater was found to be very hot and the

electrical wires beside the water heater

were smoldering. Investigation revealed

that the power contacts of the control

relay to the water heater for the galley

or the washbasin can remain closed,

which can allow the water to overheat.

This condition, if not corrected, could

result in damage to the water heater and

nearby electrical wiring, and consequent

smoke in the cabin.

Explanation of Relevant Service

Information

Dassault has issued Service Bulletin

F900–181 (F900–38–12), dated

December 4, 1996, which describes

procedures for replacement of the water

heater control relays with improved

relays having high-power contactors; the

addition of a testing and monitoring

circuit for each contactor; and

installation of improved electrical

bonding of the potable water tank.

Accomplishment of the actions

specified in the service bulletin is

intended to adequately address the

identified unsafe condition. The DGAC

classified this service bulletin as

mandatory and issued French

airworthiness directive 96–279–018(B),

dated December 4, 1996, in order to

assure the continued airworthiness of

these airplanes in France.

FAA’s Conclusions

This airplane model is manufactured

in France and is type certificated for

operation in the United States under the

provisions of section 21.29 of the

Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR

21.29) and the applicable bilateral

airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to

this bilateral airworthiness agreement,

the DGAC has kept the FAA informed

of the situation described above. The

FAA has examined the findings of the

DGAC, reviewed all available

information, and determined that AD

action is necessary for products of this

type design that are certificated for

operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of

Proposed Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been

identified that is likely to exist or

develop on other airplanes of the same

type design registered in the United

States, the proposed AD would require

accomplishment of the actions specified