Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 190 (Friday, October 1, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60614-60616]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-24169]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0035; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-066-AD; 
Amendment 39-16447; AD 2010-20-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 747-400, 747-
400D, and 747-400F Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Model 
747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes. This AD requires 
installing a hot short protector (HSP) for the fuel quantity indicating 
system (FQIS) of the center fuel tank and, for certain airplanes, the 
horizontal stabilizer fuel tank. This AD results from fuel system 
reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent an electrical hot short from a source outside the FQIS to the 
densitometer wiring from causing failure of the FQIS densitometer 
resistors, which could result in an ignition source inside the center 
or horizontal stabilizer fuel tanks. An ignition source, in combination 
with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and 
consequent loss of the airplane. This AD is effective November 5, 2010.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of November 5, 
2010.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-
544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail [email protected]; 
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is the Document Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Georgios Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 917-6482; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to 
certain Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes. That 
NPRM

[[Page 60615]]

was published in the Federal Register on February 11, 2010 (75 FR 
6821). That NPRM proposed to require installing a hot short protector 
for the fuel quantity indicating system of the center fuel tank and, 
for certain airplanes, the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comments received from The Boeing Company.

Request To Revise Preamble of the NPRM

    Boeing requests the following changes to sections of the preamble 
of the NPRM:
    <bullet> In the section ``Relevant Service Information,'' revise 
``We have received Boeing Service Bulletin 74728A2266, Revision 1, 
dated December 10, 2009 (for the CWTs)'' to ``We have received Boeing 
Service Bulletin 74728A2266, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2009 (for 
all airplanes),'' because there are no configurations of the Model 747-
400 without the center fuel tank.
    <bullet> Revise ``Relevant Service Information'' to add the phrase 
``(for airplanes with horizontal stabilizer tanks)'' to ``Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-28A2267, dated December 18, 2008.'' Boeing states 
that this service bulletin adds a hot short protector on the horizontal 
stabilizer tank (HST).
    We acknowledge the commenter's requests. While the commenter's 
suggestions may clarify information that the NPRM contained, these 
sections are not included in the final rule. As a result, we have not 
changed the AD in regard to these issues.

Request To Clarify the FQIS Wire Separation Requirement

    Boeing requests that we clarify the requirement of the FQIS wire 
separation from the wiring of the other systems as a result of 
implementing the actions required by this AD. Boeing requests that we 
revise the Discussion section of the NPRM to state that after the 
actions required by the AD are implemented, then no further actions are 
required to separate the FQIS wire from the wiring of other systems.
    We agree with the commenter that no action is required for the 
undisturbed portion of the densitometer wiring from the HSP to the fuel 
quantity processor unit at the electrical equipment bay. This final 
rule requires the installation of the HSP according to the 
accomplishment instructions of the applicable service bulletins. No 
part of this AD implies or requires action for the undisturbed portion 
of the densitometer wiring. Therefore, we have not changed the final 
rule in regard to this issue.

Request To Add Service Bulletin to Credit Paragraph

    Boeing requests that we revise paragraph (h) of the NPRM to include 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2266, Revision 1, dated December 
10, 2009.
    We do not agree to revise the AD, because such a revision is 
unnecessary. Paragraph (h) of this AD exists to give credit for actions 
accomplished before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-28A2266, dated December 18, 2008, and paragraph 
(g) of this AD requires that Revision 1 of this service bulletin is 
used for the action specified in that paragraph. We have not changed 
the AD in regard to this issue.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 80 airplanes of U.S. registry. The 
following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to 
comply with this AD.

                                                                 Table--Estimated Costs
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                                                                Average labor
               Action                        Work hours         rate per hour            Parts               Cost per product           Fleet cost
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Installation\1\.....................  6 to 17................             $85   $15,821 to $30,650.....  $16,331 to $32,095.....  $1,306,480 to
                                                                                                                                   $2,567,600.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Work hours and parts costs depend on airplane configuration.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), and
    (3) 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.
    You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of 
compliance in the AD Docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

[[Page 60616]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2010-20-12 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-16447; Docket No. FAA-
2010-0035; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-066-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD is effective November 5, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400, 747-
400D, and 747-400F series airplanes, certificated in any category; 
as identified in the service bulletins listed in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2266, Revision 1, dated 
December 10, 2009.
    (2) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2267, dated December 
18, 2008.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD 
to prevent an electrical hot short from a source outside the fuel 
quantity indicating system (FQIS) to the densitometer wiring from 
causing failure of the FQIS densitometer resistors, which could 
result in an ignition source inside the center or horizontal 
stabilizer fuel tanks. An ignition source, in combination with 
flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and 
consequent loss of the airplane.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Installation of Hot Short Protector (HSP)

    (g) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: Do the 
applicable installations of the HSP specified in paragraphs (g)(1) 
and (g)(2) of this AD.

    Note 1:  Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2266, Revision 1, dated 
December 10, 2009; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2267, 
dated December 18, 2008; refer to Cinch Service Bulletin CN1036-28-
01, Revision C, dated January 18, 2007, as an additional source of 
guidance for installing the HSP in the fuel tanks which must be done 
before or concurrently with the actions specified in Boeing Service 
Bulletin 747-28A2266, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2009; and 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2267, dated December 18, 2008.

    (1) For all airplanes: Install the HSP in the center wing tank, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 747-28A2266, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2009.
    (2) For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-28A2267, dated December 18, 2008: Install the HSP in the 
horizontal stabilizer tank, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2267, dated 
December 18, 2008.

Credit for Installation Previously Accomplished in Accordance With 
Previous Issue of Service Bulletin

    (h) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD 
according to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2266, dated 
December 18, 2008, are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding action specified in this AD, provided that Cinch 
Service Bulletin CN1036-28-01, Revision C, dated January 18, 2007, 
is used as an additional source of guidance.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to 
ATTN: Georgios Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment 
Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
917-6482; fax (425) 917-6590. Or, e-mail information to [email protected].
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or 
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a 
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. 
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2266, Revision 
1, dated December 10, 2009; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
28A2267, dated December 18, 2008; as applicable; to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 
206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail 
[email protected]; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 16, 2010.
Robert D. Breneman,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-24169 Filed 9-30-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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