[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 66 (Thursday, April 6, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17438-17440]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-8080]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-32-AD; Amendment 39-9185; AD 95-06-51]


Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Model L-1011-385 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) T95-06-51 that was sent 
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Lockheed Model L-
1011-385 series airplanes by individual telegrams. This AD requires 
inspection to detect corrosion, severed braided strands, or fuel 
leakage of the fuel feed line hose assembly on engine number two; and 
subsequent inspection or replacement of the fuel hose with a 
serviceable part, if necessary. This AD also requires treatment of the 
ends of the fuel hose and modification of the heat-shrunk plastic cover 
and steel identification band area. This amendment is prompted by a 
report of failure of an aluminum-braided flexible fuel hose on a Model 
L-1011-385 series airplane due to corrosion. The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent failure of a flexible fuel hose, which 
could result in failure of an engine, loss of fuel, and a resultant 
fire.

DATES: Effective April 21, 1995, to all persons except those persons to 
whom it was made immediately effective by telegraphic AD T95-06-51, 
issued March 9, 1995, which contained the requirements of this 
amendment. -
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 21, 1995.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 6, 1995.

 [[Page 17439]] ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-32-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056.
    The applicable service information may be obtained from Lockheed 
Aeronautical Systems Support Company (LASSC), Field Support Department, 
Dept. 693, Zone 0755, 2251 Lake Park Drive, Smyrna, Georgia 30080. This 
information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, Campus 
Building, 1701 Columbia Avenue, Suite 2-160, College Park, Georgia; or 
at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maddie Miguel, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ACE-115A, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta 
Aircraft Certification Office, Campus Building, 1701 Columbia Avenue, 
Suite 2-160, College Park, Georgia 30337-2748; telephone (404) 305-
7372; fax (404) 305-7348.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 9, 1995, the FAA issued telegraphic 
AD T95-06-51, which is applicable to certain Lockheed Model L-1011-385 
series airplanes. That action was prompted by a report of failure of an 
aluminum-braided flexible fuel hose on a Model L-1011-385 series 
airplane due to corrosion. This condition, if not corrected, could 
result in failure of an engine, loss of fuel, and a resultant fire.
    The FAA received a report of failure of an aluminum-braided 
flexible fuel hose located immediately aft of the fuselage rear 
pressure bulkhead on a Model L-1011-385 series airplane. Ground 
maintenance personnel found a fuel leak when the airplane arrived at 
the gate after landing. -
    The operator performed a preliminary investigation of the fuel 
hose, and discovered that it was about 75 percent severed at a point 
approximately 7.0 inches from the inboard end. Inspection of the 
aluminum braiding in the area of the failure revealed that the braided 
strands were corroded and brittle. The corrosion occurred in an area of 
the stainless steel identification band, which has a translucent heat-
shrunk plastic cover. The operator conducted subsequent inspections of 
its fleet and found two airplanes (out of a fleet of five airplanes) 
having corroded braided material in the area of the identification 
band. The cause of this corrosion has not been determined.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-
A091, dated March 8, 1995, which describes procedures for a visual 
inspection to detect corrosion, severed braided strands, or fuel 
leakage of the fuel feed line hose assembly on engine number two; and 
inspections to detect ballooning of the fuel hose, or replacement of 
the fuel hose with a serviceable part, if necessary. The service 
bulletin also describes procedures for treatment of the ends of the 
hose, and modification of the heat-shrunk plastic cover and steel 
identification band area.
    Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop 
on other airplanes of the same type design, the FAA issued telegraphic 
AD T95-06-51. The AD requires an inspection to detect corrosion, 
severed braided strands, or fuel leakage of the fuel feed line hose 
assembly on engine number two; and inspections to detect ballooning of 
the fuel hose, or replacement of the fuel hose with a serviceable part, 
if necessary. The AD also requires treatment of the ends of the fuel 
hose; and modification of the heat-shrunk plastic cover and steel 
identification band area. Replacement of the fuel hose with a 
serviceable part, if accomplished, terminates the requirements of this 
AD. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the 
service bulletin described previously.
    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual telegrams 
issued on March 9, 1995, to all known U.S. owners and operators of 
Lockheed Model L-1011-385 series airplanes. These conditions still 
exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an 
amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
39.13) to make it effective to all persons.
    As a result of recent communications with the Air Transport 
Association (ATA) of America, the FAA has learned that, in general, 
some operators may misunderstand the legal effect of AD's on airplanes 
that are identified in the applicability provision of the AD, but that 
have been altered or repaired in the area addressed by the AD. The FAA 
points out that all airplanes identified in the applicability provision 
of an AD are legally subject to the AD. If an airplane has been altered 
or repaired in the affected area in such a way as to affect compliance 
with the AD, the owner or operator is required to obtain FAA approval 
for an alternative method of compliance with the AD, in accordance with 
the paragraph of each AD that provides for such approvals. A note has 
been included in this rule to clarify this long-standing requirement.

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 95-NM-32-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    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 [[Page 17440]] 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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

95-06-51  Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company: Amendment 39-9185. 
Docket 95-NM-32-AD.

    Applicability: Model L-1011-385 series airplanes; as listed in 
Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-A091, dated March 8, 1995; 
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 use the authority 
provided in paragraph (f) to request approval from the FAA. This 
approval may address either no action, if the current configuration 
eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions necessary to 
address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request 
should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of a flexible fuel hose, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 100 hours time-in-service or 10 days after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Accomplish the 
requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD in 
accordance with Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-A091, dated March 
8, 1995.
    (1) Perform a visual inspection to detect corrosion, severed 
braided strands, or fuel leakage of the fuel feed line hose 
assembly, part number (P/N) 96715-107 (Lockheed P/N 740970-107), on 
engine number two. And
    (2) Treat the ends of the fuel hose where the collars are 
clamped to the braided strands, and modify the heat-shrunk plastic 
cover and steel identification band area.
    (b) If no discrepancy is found during the inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD: Following accomplishment of the actions 
required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD, no further action is 
required by this AD.
    (c) If any corrosion is found during any inspection required by 
this AD: Prior to further flight, accomplish either paragraph (c)(1) 
or (c)(2) of this AD in accordance with Lockheed Service Bulletin 
093-28-A091, dated March 8, 1995.
    (1) Replace the fuel hose with a serviceable part. Or
    (2) Inspect the fuel hose thereafter on a daily basis to detect 
ballooning of the hose. If any ballooning is found, prior to further 
flight, replace the fuel hose with a serviceable part.
    (d) If any severed braided strand or any fuel leak is found 
during any inspection required by this AD: Prior to further flight, 
replace the fuel hose with a serviceable part in accordance with 
Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-A091, dated March 8, 1995.
    (e) Replacement of the fuel hose assembly with a fuel hose 
assembly having P/N 740970-113 or P/N 96715-107 (Lockheed P/N 
740970-107) constitutes terminating action for the requirements of 
this AD.

    Note 2: The preferred replacement fuel hose assembly is P/N 
740970-113.

    (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, Atlanta Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Small 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, Atlanta ACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Atlanta ACO.

    (g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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.
    (h) The actions shall be done in accordance with Lockheed 
Service Bulletin 093-28-A091, dated March 8, 1995. 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 Lockheed Aeronautical Systems 
Support Company (LASSC), Field Support Department, Dept. 693, Zone 
0755, 2251 Lake Park Drive, Smyrna, Georgia 30080. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, Campus Building, 
1701 Columbia Avenue, Suite 2-160, College Park, Georgia; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.
    (i) This amendment becomes effective on April 21, 1995, to all 
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately 
effective by telegraphic AD T95-06-51, issued on March 9, 1995, 
which contained the requirements of this amendment.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 27, 1995.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-8080 Filed 4-5-95; 8:45 am]
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