[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 241 (Wednesday, December 16, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69185-69187]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-33104]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-336-AD; Amendment 39-10945; AD 98-26-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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[[Page 69186]]
SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 757 series airplanes, that
currently requires an inspection of the engine fuel shutoff valves
(spar valves) to detect leakage of fuel and to ensure that no leakage
occurs when the valves are commanded to close. That amendment also
requires an alignment procedure of the engine fuel shutoff valves, if
necessary. This amendment expands the applicability of the existing AD.
This amendment is prompted by additional reports that certain crossfeed
valve assemblies and engine shutoff valve assemblies were improperly
installed during manufacturing of the airplane. The actions specified
in this AD are intended to prevent uncommanded fuel flow from the fuel
tanks to the engine nacelle, which could result in reduced airplane
fire protection in the event of a leak in the engine fuel line or a
fire in the engine nacelle.
DATES: Effective December 31, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
757-28A0045, Revision 1, dated November 19, 1998, as listed in the
regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of
December 31, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
757-28A0045, dated July 30, 1996, as listed in the regulations, was
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of
August 28, 1996 (61 FR 41953, August 13, 1996).
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before February 16, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-336-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: Kathrine Rask, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; telephone (425) 227-
1547; fax (425) 227-1181.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 6, 1996, the FAA issued AD 96-17-
02, amendment 39-9710 (61 FR 41953, August 13, 1996), applicable to
certain Boeing Model 757 series airplanes. That AD requires an
inspection of the engine fuel shutoff valves (spar valves) to detect
leakage of fuel and to ensure that no leakage occurs when the valves
are commanded to close. That AD also requires an alignment procedure of
the engine fuel shutoff valves, if necessary. That action was prompted
by reports that certain engine shutoff valve assemblies were improperly
installed during manufacturing of the airplane. The actions required by
that AD are intended to prevent uncommanded fuel flow from the fuel
tanks to the engine nacelle, which could result in reduced aircraft
fire protection in the event of a leak in the engine fuel line or a
fire in the engine nacelle.
Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule
Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA has received information
that certain fuel crossfeed valve assemblies, which are identical to
the engine fuel shutoff valves referenced in AD 96-17-02, were
installed improperly on one other Boeing Model 757 series airplane
during manufacture. Upon further investigation, the manufacturer found
several in-service airplanes that were assembled with uncertain
processes may have engine fuel shutoff valves that were installed
improperly. The line numbers on these airplanes were not included in
the applicability of AD 96-17-02, although these airplanes may be
subject to the same unsafe condition specified in that AD. Improperly
installed crossfeed valve assemblies or engine fuel shutoff valve
assemblies, if not corrected, could lead to uncommanded fuel flow from
the fuel tanks to the engine nacelle, which could result in reduced
airplane fire protection in the event of a leak in the engine fuel line
or a fire in the engine nacelle.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
As a result of these new findings, the manufacturer issued, and the
FAA has reviewed and approved, Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-
28A0045, Revision 1, dated November 19, 1998. This revision is
essentially identical to the procedures in the original issue but adds
airplanes to the effectivity listing and additional instructions for
operators with Pratt & Whitney-powered airplanes that have the optional
interstage fuel pressure system. Accomplishment of the actions
specified in the alert service bulletin is intended to adequately
address the identified unsafe condition.
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 96-17-02 to continue to require an inspection of the
engine fuel shutoff valves (spar valves) to detect leakage of fuel and
to ensure that no leakage occurs when the valves are commanded to
close. This AD also continues to require an alignment procedure of the
engine fuel shutoff valves, if necessary. This new AD revises the
applicability of the existing AD to include airplanes that are subject
to the same unsafe condition.
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
[[Page 69187]]
statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 98-NM-336-AD.'' The
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 removing amendment 39-9710 (61 FR
41953, August 13, 1996), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), amendment 39-10945, to read as follows:
98-26-04 Boeing: Amendment 39-10945. Docket 98-NM-336-AD.
Supersedes AD 96-17-02, amendment 39-9710.
Applicability: Model 757 series airplanes, as listed in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 757-28A0045, Revision 1, dated November 19,
1998; 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 request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c)(1)
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 uncommanded fuel flow from the fuel tanks to the
engine nacelle in the event of a leak in the engine fuel line or a
fire in the engine nacelle, accomplish the following:
Restatement of Requirements of AD 96-17-02
(a) For Model 757 series airplanes having line positions 478
through 699 inclusive: Within 60 days after August 28, 1996 (the
effective date of AD 96-17-02, amendment 39-9710), perform an
inspection to detect leakage of the fuel shutoff (spar) valves and
verify that the valves do not leak when commanded to close, in
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-28A0045, dated
July 30, 1996.
(l) If both fuel shutoff valves pass the inspection for leakage
and the valves close when commanded, no further action is required
by this AD.
(2) If either or both of the fuel shutoff valves do not pass the
inspection for leakage: Prior to further flight, adjust the engine
fuel shutoff valve(s) in accordance with Part III of the alert
service bulletin and repeat the requirements of paragraph (a) of
this AD.
New Requirements of This AD
(b) For Model 757 series airplanes, having line positions 700
through 710 inclusive, 712, 718, and 719: Within 60 days after the
effective date of this AD, perform an inspection to detect leakage
of the fuel shutoff (spar) valves and verify that the valves do not
leak when commanded to close, in accordance with Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 757-28A0045, Revision 1, dated November 19, 1998.
(l) If both fuel shutoff valves pass the inspection for leakage
and the valves close when commanded, no further action is required
by this AD.
(2) If either or both of the fuel shutoff valves do not pass the
inspection for leakage: Prior to further flight, adjust the engine
fuel shutoff valve(s) in accordance with Part III of the alert
service bulletin and repeat the requirements of paragraph (b) of
this AD.
(c)(1) 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.
(c)(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in
accordance with AD 96-17-02, amendment 39-9710, are approved as
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.
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
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.
(e) The inspection and adjustment shall be done in accordance
with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-28A0045, dated July 30, 1996,
or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-28A0045, Revision 1, dated
November 19, 1998.
(1) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 757-28A0045, Revision 1, dated November 19, 1998, is
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 757-28A0045, dated July 30, 1996, was approved previously
by the Director of the Federal Register as of August 28, 1996 (61 FR
41953, August 13, 1996).
(3) 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 31, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 8, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-33104 Filed 12-15-98; 8:45 am]
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