Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 85 / Wednesday, May 2, 2001 / Rules and Regulations 21853

Office (ACO), FAA; or in accordance with

data meeting the type certification basis of

the airplane approved by a Boeing Company

Designated Engineering Representative (DER)

who has been authorized by the Manager,

Seattle ACO, to make such findings. For a

repair method to be approved by the

Manager, Seattle ACO, as required by this

paragraph, the approval letter must

specifically reference this AD.

Note 3: Prior accomplishment of

paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD, as specified

in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–

32A0025, dated April 6, 2000; using BMS 3–

27 or Cor-Ban 27L corrosion-inhibiting

compound; is acceptable for compliance with

the applicable actions required by this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(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

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 4: 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

(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.

Incorporation by Reference

(e) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of

this AD: The actions shall be done in

accordance with Boeing Alert Service

Bulletin 777–32A0025, Revision 1, dated

March 8, 2001. 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.

Effective Date

(f) This amendment becomes effective on

June 6, 2001.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 20,

2001.

Donald L. Riggin,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 01–10465 Filed 5–1–01; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001–NM–115–AD; Amendment

39–12215; AD 2001–09–10]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell

Douglas Model MD–11 Series

Airplanes Equipped With Pratt &

Whitney Model PW4400 Series Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for

comments.

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes

an existing airworthiness directive (AD),

applicable to all McDonnell Douglas

Model MD–11 series airplanes equipped

with Pratt & Whitney Model PW4400

series engines, that currently requires

revising the Airplane Flight Manual

(AFM) to advise the flight crew of

applicable operational limits. This

amendment corrects a typographical

error in one paragraph of the existing

AD that resulted in a reference to an

incorrect engine fan blade which is not

subject to the requirements of that

paragraph. The actions specified in this

AD are intended to ensure that the flight

crew is informed of applicable

limitations in airplane performance, and

to prevent reduced acceleration and

climb performance relative to

performance data in the AFM, which

could result in the airplane overrunning

the end of the runway during takeoff or

landing, or impacting obstacles or

terrain. This action is intended to

address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective May 17, 2001.

Comments for inclusion in the Rules

Docket must be received on or before

July 2, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport

Airplane Directorate, ANM–114,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001–NM–

115–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. Comments may be

submitted via fax to (425) 227–1232.

Comments may also be sent via the

Internet using the following address: 9-

anm-iarcomment@faa.gov. Comments

sent via fax or the Internet must contain

‘‘Docket No. 2001–NM–115–AD’’ in the

subject line and need not be submitted

in triplicate. Comments sent via the

Internet as attached electronic files must

be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for

Windows or ASCII text.

Information pertaining to this

amendment may be examined at the

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,

Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles

Aircraft Certification Office, 3960

Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,

California.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Philip C. Kush, Aerospace Engineer,

Propulsion Branch, ANM–140L, FAA,

Los Angeles Aircraft Certification

Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,

Lakewood, California 90712–4137;

telephone (562) 627–5263; fax (562)

627–5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April

3, 2001, the FAA issued AD 2001–07–

08, amendment 39–12173 (66 FR 18527,

April 10, 2001), applicable to all

McDonnell Douglas Model MD–11

series airplanes equipped with Pratt &

Whitney Model PW4400 series engines.

That AD requires revising the Airplane

Flight Manual (AFM) to advise the flight

crew of applicable operational limits.

That action was prompted by the FAA’s

finding that the operational limits

specified in the Limitations Section of

the AFM for McDonnell Douglas Model

MD–11 series airplanes equipped with

Pratt & Whitney Model PW4400 series

engines do not adequately list the

performance correction sections in the

AFM; and reports that Pratt & Whitney

Model PW4400 series engines with

certain early-production fan blades

(Phase 0/1, FB2B), as installed on

certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD–

11 series airplanes, do not produce the

amount of thrust indicated in the AFM.

The actions required by that AD are

intended to ensure that the flight crew

is informed of applicable limitations in

airplane performance, and to prevent

reduced acceleration and climb

performance relative to performance

data in the AFM, which could result in

the airplane overrunning the end of the

runway during takeoff or landing, or

impacting obstacles or terrain.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

Since the issuance of AD 2001–07–08,

the FAA has found a typographical error

in paragraph (b) of that AD. Paragraph

(b) requires a revision of the

Performance Section of the AFM to

address a shortfall in the amount of

thrust produced by certain engines

equipped with certain early-production

fan blades. That paragraph states that it

applies to ‘‘airplanes with Pratt &

Whitney Model PW4460 or PW4462

engines with FB2C [fan blades]

21854 Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 85 / Wednesday, May 2, 2001 / Rules and Regulations

installed.’’ (Though the existing AD

referred to the subject parts as ‘‘fans,’’

the correct term in this case is ‘‘fan

blades.’’) Although FB2C fan blades do

exist, these fan blades are not subject to

the unsafe condition addressed by

paragraph (b) of AD 2001–07–08. The

correct model number for the fan blades

subject to paragraph (b) is ‘‘FB2B.’’ (The

preamble of AD 2001–07–08 correctly

identifies the affected fan blades subject

to the unsafe condition, where it states,

‘‘Pratt & Whitney Model PW4400 series

engines with certain early-production

fan blades (Phase 0/1, FB2B) ‘‘ do not

produce the amount of thrust indicated

in the AFM.’’)

The FAA finds that this typographical

error could result in airplanes subject to

the thrust-shortfall condition not being

subject to the AFM revision required by

paragraph (b) of the existing AD. For

operators of McDonnell Douglas Model

MD–11 series airplanes with Pratt &

Whitney Model PW4460 or PW4462

engines with FB2B fan blades installed,

failure to incorporate the AFM revision

in paragraph (b) of the existing AD

could lead to reduced acceleration and

climb performance relative to

performance data in the AFM, which

could result in the airplane overrunning

the end of the runway during takeoff or

landing, or impacting obstacles or

terrain.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been

identified that is likely to exist or

develop on other airplanes of this same

type design, this AD supersedes AD

2001–07–08 to continue to require

revising the AFM to advise the flight

crew of applicable operational limits.

This new AD revises paragraph (b) of

the existing AD to refer to the correct

fan blades. Except for this change in the

applicability of paragraph (b) of this AD,

all requirements remain the same as

those in the existing AD.

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.

Submit comments using the following

format:

• Organize comments issue-by-issue.

For example, discuss a request to

change the compliance time and a

request to change the service bulletin

reference as two separate issues.

• For each issue, state what specific

change to the AD is being requested.

• Include justification (e.g., reasons or

data) for each request.

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 2001–NM–115–AD.’’

The postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

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.

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, 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

removing amendment 39–12173 (66 FR

18527, April 10, 2001), and by adding

a new airworthiness directive (AD),

amendment 39–12215, to read as

follows:

2001–09–10 McDonnell Douglas:

Amendment 39–12215. Docket 2001–

NM–115–AD. Supersedes AD 2001–07–

08, Amendment 39–12173.

Applicability: All Model MD–11 series

airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney

Model PW4400 series engines, certificated in

any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless

accomplished previously.

To ensure that the flight crew is informed

of limitations in airplane performance, and to

prevent reduced acceleration and climb

performance relative to performance data in

the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), which

could result in the airplane overrunning the

end of the runway during takeoff or landing,

or impacting obstacles or terrain, accomplish

the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2001–

07–08

AFM Revision: Limitations Section

(a) Within 30 days after April 25, 2001 (the

effective date of AD 2001–07–08, amendment

39–12173), revise Section 1, Limitations, of

the FAA-approved AFM to include the

following information under Subsection 3,

Operational Limits. This may be

accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD

into the AFM.

Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 85 / Wednesday, May 2, 2001 / Rules and Regulations 21855

‘‘Required Performance Corrections in

Section 4A or 4B must be applied as

applicable.’’

New Requirements of this AD

AFM Revision: Performance Section 4A or

4B

(b) For airplanes with Pratt & Whitney

Model PW4460 or PW4462 engines with

FB2B fan blades installed: Within 30 days

after the effective date of this AD, revise the

Performance Section of the FAA-approved

AFM to include the following information

under Section 4A or 4B, as applicable. This

may be accomplished by inserting a copy of

this AD into the AFM.

‘‘When operating with one PW4460 engine,

one PW4462 engine (operated at PW4460

thrust rating), or one PW4462 engine

installed, apply the following performance

corrections:

Weight must be reduced by:

Takeoff—1.3%

Enroute—2.5%

Landing—1.3%

When operating with more than one

PW4460 engine and/or PW4462 engine

(operated at PW4460 thrust rating), or more

than one PW4462 engine installed, apply the

following performance corrections:

Weight must be reduced by:

Takeoff—2.5%

Enroute—2.5%

Landing—2.5%.’’

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(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, Los

Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),

FAA. Operators shall submit their requests

through an appropriate FAA Principal

Operations Inspector, who may add

comments and then send it to the Manager,

Los Angeles ACO.

Note: Information concerning the existence

of approved alternative methods of

compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

Special Flight Permits

(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.

Effective Date

(e) This amendment becomes effective on

May 17, 2001.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 24,

2001.

Donald L. Riggin,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 01–10723 Filed 5–1–01; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99–NM–124–AD; Amendment

39–12206; AD 2001–09–01]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing

Model 757–200 and –300 Series

Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a

new airworthiness directive (AD),

applicable to certain Boeing Model 757–

200 and –300 series airplanes, that

requires repetitive clearing of the drain

passage at the aft end of the main

landing gear (MLG) truck beam to

ensure moisture and contaminants

within the truck beam can properly

drain; and, for certain airplanes, an

internal inspection of the truck beam to

detect discrepancies, and follow-on

actions. This amendment is prompted

by reports of fracture of MLG truck

beams. The actions specified by this AD

are intended to prevent stress corrosion

cracking, leading to fracture of a MLG

truck beam during ground operations,

which could result in either reduced

controllability of the airplane or a fire.

DATES: Effective June 6, 2001.

The incorporation by reference of

certain publications listed in the

regulations is approved by the Director

of the Federal Register as of June 6,

2001.

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:

Dennis Stremick, Aerospace Engineer,

Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA,

Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,

1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,

Washington 98055–4056; telephone

(425) 227–2776; fax (425) 227–1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A

proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal

Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to

include an airworthiness directive (AD)

that is applicable to certain 757–200 and

–300 series airplanes was published as

a supplemental notice of proposed

rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal

Register on September 18, 2000 (65 FR

56268). That action proposed to require

repetitive clearing of the drain passage

at the aft end of the main landing gear

(MLG) truck beam to ensure moisture

and contaminants within the truck beam

can properly drain. That action also

proposed to expand the applicability,

and, for certain airplanes, add a new

inspection and follow-on actions.

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.

Reference Revised Service Bulletins

One commenter asks that the FAA

revise the supplemental NPRM to

reference Revision 1 of Boeing Alert

Service Bulletins 757–32A0135 and

757–32A0138, both dated November 30,

2000. The proposed rule referenced

Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 757–

32A0135 (for Model 757–200 series

airplanes) and 757–32A0138 (for Model

757–300 series airplanes), both dated

June 8, 2000, as the appropriate sources

of service information for certain

proposed actions. The commenter states

that the service bulletins have been

revised for clarification, based on

questions received from operators.

We concur with the commenter’s

request. Since the issuance of the

proposed rule, the FAA has reviewed

and approved Revision 1 of the service

bulletins. Revision 1 clarifies certain

instructions and revises the effectivity

listing to show changes in airplane

operators. (No additional airplanes are

added to the effectivity listing of

Revision 1.) Therefore, we have revised

the applicability statement and

paragraphs (a) and (b) of this final rule

to reference Revision 1 of the service

bulletins as the appropriate source of

service information for the actions

required by those paragraphs. We also

have revised Notes 2 and 3 to state that

accomplishment of the actions required

by this AD in accordance with the

original issue of the service bulletins is

acceptable for compliance with

paragraphs (a) and (b) of this final rule.

Change Certain Wording in Paragraphs

(a) and (b)

Two commenters ask that the wording

in paragraphs (a) and (b) of the proposed

rule, which specifies ‘‘* * * since the

date of manufacture of the MLG * * *,’’

be changed to read ‘‘* * * since the

date of delivery of the airplane or since