[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 130 (Wednesday, July 8, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36836-36838]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-17951]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-145-AD; Amendment 39-10650; AD 98-14-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes, that
currently requires disconnection of the electrical connector to the
scavenge pump of the center wing tank. That AD also requires a one-time
inspection to identify the part number of the electrical connector; and
replacement of the pump with a new or serviceable pump, if necessary.
This amendment requires a one-time inspection to identify the part
number of the scavenge pump motor-impeller unit; and corrective action,
if necessary. This amendment is prompted by a report of damage to the
internal wiring of a scavenge pump that had been replaced in accordance
with the existing AD. 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 July 23, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of July 23, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before September 8, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-145-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 & 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: On November 26, 1997, the FAA issued AD 97-
25-06, amendment 39-10230 (62 FR 63622, December 1, 1997), applicable
to certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes. [A correction of the rule
was published in the Federal Register on January 2, 1998 (63 FR 4).]
That action requires disconnection of the electrical connector to the
scavenge pump of the center wing tank; a one-time inspection to
identify the part number of the electrical connector; and replacement
of the pump with a new or serviceable pump, if necessary. That action
was 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 required
by that 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.
Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule
Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA has received a report of
damage to the internal wiring of a scavenge pump; the connector of that
scavenge pump had been replaced with a Lear Romec-supplied connector,
in accordance with the requirements of the existing AD. The damage to
the wiring has been attributed to that replacement connector's longer
backshell, which provides insufficient clearance for the attachment
screw of the internal ground wire of the scavenge pump motor, and can
cause interference between the screw and the connector. Such wiring
damage, if not corrected, could cause short circuiting and failures
within the electrical motor assembly; 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,
and consequent fuel fire in the wheel well.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
As a result of this recent finding, Boeing has issued Alert Service
Bulletin 747-28A2215, dated May 14, 1998, which describes procedures
for a one-time inspection to identify the part number for the installed
scavenge pump motor-impeller unit; and corrective action, if necessary.
The alert service bulletin provides operators a choice of three
corrective actions. First, operators may replace the scavenge pump with
a different model scavenge pump. Second, operators may replace the
scavenge pump with a scavenge pump that has been modified in accordance
with Lear Romec Service Bulletin RR24680 28-002, dated May 4, 1998.
[[Page 36837]]
(Lear Romec is the manufacturer of the subject scavenge pump.) This
modification involves removal of the connector ground jumper lead wire
and its attachment screw. Accomplishment of the modification will
provide additional room for, and will prevent short circuit damage to,
the wires inside the scavenge pump motor. Third, operators may
deactivate the scavenge pump. The FAA has reviewed and approved the
Boeing and Lear Romec service bulletins.
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 97-25-06 to require a one-time inspection to identify the
part number for the installed scavenge pump motor-impeller unit; and
corrective action, if necessary.
Differences Between This AD and the Relevant Service Information
This AD differs from Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2215,
dated May 14, 1998. The alert service bulletin specifies that the
scavenge pump may be replaced with a scavenge pump having ``a different
part number.'' However, this AD specifically requires that the
replacement scavenge pump be either a scavenge pump having part number
60B92403-12, -13, or -18 (Intertechnique); or a scavenge pump that has
been modified in accordance with Lear Romec Service Bulletin RR24680
28-002, dated May 4, 1998.
Also, the Boeing alert service bulletin specifies that a modified
pump may be reidentified as having one of two given part numbers.
However, this AD requires that the pump modified in accordance with
Lear Romec Service Bulletin RR24680 28-002 be reidentified as Boeing P/
N 60B92403-51.
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 98-NM-145-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 39-10230 (63 FR
4, January 2, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD),
amendment 39-10650, to read as follows:
98-14-17 Boeing: Amendment 39-10650. Docket 98-NM-145-AD.
Supersedes AD 97-25-06, Amendment 39-10230.
Applicability: Model 747 series airplanes, 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
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 leakage of fuel
from the electrical connector into the main landing gear wheel well,
electrical arcing within the scavenge pump motor, or a fuel fire in
the wheel well; accomplish the following:
(a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
a one-time inspection to determine the part number (P/N) of the
installed scavenge pump motor-impeller unit, in accordance with
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2215, dated May 14, 1998.
(1) If the P/N is neither Boeing P/N 60B92403-5 nor Lear Romec
P/N RR24680, no further action is required by this AD.
[[Page 36838]]
(2) If the P/N is either Boeing P/N 60B92403-5 or Lear Romec P/N
RR24680, prior to further flight, accomplish paragraph either
(a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Replace the scavenge pump with a new or serviceable scavenge
pump having P/N 60B92403-12, -13, or -18 (Intertechnique); or with a
new or serviceable scavenge pump having P/N 60B92403-51 (Lear
Romec).
(ii) Deactivate the scavenge pump. The airplane may be operated
with the scavenge pump deactivated, in accordance with the
provisions and limitations specified in the operator's FAA-approved
Master Minimum Equipment List.
Note 2: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2215, dated May 14,
1998, refers to the 747 Dispatch Deviation Guide as another source
of service information for deactivation of the scavenge pump.
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
on any airplane a scavenge pump having either Boeing P/N 60B92403-5
or Lear Romec P/N RR24680.
(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 3: 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 shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-28A2215, dated May 14, 1998. 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 July 23, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 30, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-17951 Filed 7-7-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
