Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 747 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 22, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15814-15818]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-5172]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0090; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-312-AD; 
Amendment 39-16627; AD 2011-06-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 747 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD requires measuring the electrical bond 
resistance between the motor operated valve (MOV) actuators and 
airplane structure for the main, center, auxiliary, and horizontal 
stabilizer fuel tanks, as applicable, and corrective action if 
necessary; revising the maintenance program to incorporate 
airworthiness limitation (AWL) No. 28-AWL-21 or AWL No. 28-AWL-27, as 
applicable; and replacing production-installed laminate phenolic 
spacers with metallic spacers between the fuel jettison MOV and the 
airplane structure, as applicable. This AD was prompted by fuel system 
reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent electrical current from flowing through an MOV actuator into a 
fuel tank, which could create a potential ignition source inside the 
fuel tank. This condition, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, 
could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the 
airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective April 26, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of April 26, 
2011.

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. You may review copies of the 
referenced 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.

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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is 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: Tung Tran, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, ANM-140S, 
FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-
917-6505; fax: 425-917-6590; e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that 
would apply to the specified products. That SNPRM published in the 
Federal Register on November 19, 2010 (75 FR 70863). That SNPRM 
proposed to require measuring the electrical bond resistance between 
the motor operated valve (MOV) actuators and airplane structure for the 
main, center, auxiliary, and horizontal stabilizer fuel tanks, as 
applicable, and corrective action if

[[Page 15815]]

necessary; revising the maintenance program to incorporate 
airworthiness limitation (AWL) No. 28-AWL-21 or AWL No. 28-AWL-27, as 
applicable; and replacing production-installed laminate phenolic 
spacers with metallic spacers between the fuel jettison MOV and the 
airplane structure, as applicable.

Actions Since Supplemental NPRM Was Issued

    Since the supplemental NPRM was issued, Boeing issued Service 
Bulletin 747-28A2292, Revision 3, dated December 9, 2010. The changes 
described in this service bulletin are minor and editorial in nature. 
Paragraphs (c) and (g) of this AD have been revised to refer to 
Revision 3 of this service bulletin. In addition, credit for 
accomplishing the actions in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2292, 
Revision 2, dated May 13, 2010, has been included in paragraph (o) of 
this AD.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comment received. Boeing supports the 
NPRM.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the 
AD as proposed--except for the changes that were described above. We 
have determined that these changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 222 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                          Labor cost                   Parts cost                Cost per product          Cost on U.S. operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Measurement.........................  Up to 7 work-hours x $85     Up to $350.................  Up to $945.................  Up to $209,790.
                                       per hour = Up to $595.
Replacement (Up to 60 airplanes)....  Up to 4 work-hours x $85     $1,305.....................  Up to $1,645...............  Up to $98,700.
                                       per hour = Up to $340.
Maintenance program revision........  1 work-hour x $85 per hour   $0.........................  $85........................  $18,870.
                                       = $85.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary modification 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
this modification.

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Action                      Labor cost               Parts cost               Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change electrical bond and rework   436 work-hours x $85   Up to $35,760.............  Up to $72,820.
 part contact surface.               per hour = $37,060.
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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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    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.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

2011-06-03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-16627; Docket No. FAA-
2008-0090; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-312-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD is effective April 26, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

[[Page 15816]]

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 
747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, certificated 
in any category; as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
28A2292, Revision 3, dated December 9, 2010.

    Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with 
these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes 
that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the 
areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able 
to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this 
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must 
request approval for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
according to paragraph (q) of this AD. The request should include a 
description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure 
the continued operational safety of the airplane.

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 electrical current from flowing through a motor operated 
valve (MOV) actuator into a fuel tank, which could create a 
potential ignition source inside the fuel tank. This condition, 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.

Measurement, Corrective Action, and Replacement

    (g) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (1) Measure the electrical bond resistance between the MOV 
actuators and the airplane structure for the main, center, and 
auxiliary fuel tanks, as applicable; and do all applicable 
corrective actions; by accomplishing all of the applicable actions 
in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
28A2292, Revision 3, dated December 9, 2010. The corrective actions 
must be accomplished before further flight.
    (2) For airplanes in Groups 12, 16, 17, 18, and 19, as 
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2292, Revision 3, dated 
December 9, 2010: Within 60 months after the effective date of this 
AD, replace production-installed laminate phenolic spacers with 
metallic spacers, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2292, Revision 3, dated December 
9, 2010.
    (h) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
28A2294, Revision 1, dated March 5, 2009: Within 60 months after the 
effective date of this AD, measure the electrical bond resistance 
between the MOV actuators and airplane structure for the horizontal 
stabilizer fuel tanks (HST), and do all the applicable corrective 
actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2294, Revision 1, dated March 5, 
2009. The corrective actions must be accomplished before further 
flight.

Deactivation of the HST

    (i) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
28A2294, Revision 1, dated March 5, 2009: Deactivation of the HST, 
in accordance with the applicable Boeing service information 
specified in table 1 of this AD, terminates the requirements of 
paragraph (h) of this AD, except as provided by paragraph (j) of 
this AD. Deactivation of the HST before the effective date of this 
AD in accordance with the applicable service information specified 
in table 2 of this AD also terminates the requirements of paragraph 
(h) of this AD, except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD.

                Table 1--Deactivation Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Boeing--                   Revision--             Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Bulletin 747-28-2265..  Original..............  February 22,
                                                         2006.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2272..  Original..............  February 21,
                                                         2006.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2274..  1.....................  May 21, 2008.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2275..  4.....................  February 2,
                                                         2009.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2279..  2.....................  October 16,
                                                         2007.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2285..  3.....................  August 30, 2007.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2293..  2.....................  March 4, 2008.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2295..  2.....................  January 19,
                                                         2009.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2296..  Original..............  July 13, 2007.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2300..  1.....................  June 2, 2008.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2314..  Original..............  December 9,
                                                         2008.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Table 2--Deactivation Credit Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Boeing--                   Revision--             Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Bulletin 747-28-2274..  Original..............  March 13, 2006.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2275..  Original..............  June 12, 2006.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2275..  1.....................  March 16, 2007.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2275..  2.....................  July 2, 2007.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2275..  3.....................  March 11, 2008.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2279..  Original..............  June 12, 2006.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2279..  1.....................  May 25, 2007.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2285..  Original..............  January 23,
                                                         2007.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2285..  1.....................  May 9, 2007.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2285..  2.....................  August 3, 2007.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2293..  Original..............  May 9, 2007.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2293..  1.....................  August 29, 2007.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2295..  Original..............  November 17,
                                                         2006.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2295..  1.....................  March 20, 2008.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2300..  Original..............  January 16,
                                                         2008.
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[[Page 15817]]

Reactivation of the HST

    (j) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
28A2294, Revision 1, dated March 5, 2009, on which the HST is 
reactivated, the HST must be reactivated in accordance with a method 
approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), FAA. For any airplane on which the HST is reactivated, the 
requirements of paragraphs (h) and (l) of this AD must be done 
before further flight following the reactivation, or within 60 
months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. 
For a reactivation method to be approved, the reactivation method 
must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval 
must specifically reference this AD.

Maintenance Program Revision

    (k) For Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-
200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes: 
Concurrently with accomplishing the actions required by paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD, revise the maintenance program by incorporating 
airworthiness limitation (AWL) No. 28-AWL-21 of Section D of Boeing 
747-100/200/300/SP Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and 
Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), Document D6-13747-
CMR, Revision March 2008.
    (l) For Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes: 
Concurrently with accomplishing the actions required by paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD, revise the maintenance program by incorporating 
AWL No. 28-AWL-27 of Subsection D of Boeing 747-400 Maintenance 
Planning Data (MPD) Document, Section 9, D621U400-9, Revision 
December 2009.

No Alternative Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations 
(CDCCLs)

    (m) After accomplishing the applicable action required in 
paragraph (k) or (l) of this AD, no alternative CDCCLs may be used 
unless the CDCCLs are approved as an AMOC in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (q) of this AD.

Terminating Action for Maintenance Program Revision

    (n) For Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-
200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes: 
Incorporating AWL No. 28-AWL-21 into the maintenance program in 
accordance with paragraph (g) of AD 2008-10-07, Amendment 39-15513; 
or AD 2008-10-07 R1, Amendment 39-16070; terminates the action 
required by paragraph (k) of this AD.

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (o) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2294, dated 
September 21, 2007; and Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2292, 
Revision 2, dated May 13, 2010; are acceptable for compliance with 
the corresponding requirements of this AD.

Incorporation of Previous Issues of Airworthiness Limitation (AWL)

    (p) Incorporation of AWL No. 28-AWL-21 of Section D of the 
Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and 
Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), Document D6-13747-
CMR, Revision January 2007, September 2007, or January 2008, is 
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of 
this AD if done before the effective date of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (q)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request 
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District 
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in the Related Information section of this AD. 
Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

Related Information

    (r) For more information about this AD, contact Tung Tran, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, ANM-140S, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6505; fax: 425-917-6590; e-
mail: [email protected].

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (s) You must use the applicable service information contained in 
table 3 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the 
AD specifies otherwise. If you accomplish the optional terminating 
action specified in this AD, you must use the applicable service 
information specified in table 4 of this AD, unless the AD specifies 
otherwise.

    Table 3--Material Incorporated by Reference for Required Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Document               Revision               Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-              3  December 9, 2010.
 28A2292.
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-              1  March 5, 2009.
 28A2294.
Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP                    March 2008.
 Airworthiness Limitations
 (AWLs) and Certification
 Maintenance Requirements
 (CMRs), Document D6-13747-CMR.
Section 9 of Boeing 747-400                  December 2009.
 Maintenance Planning Data
 (MPD) Document, Section 9,
 D621U400-9.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                   Table 4--Material Incorporated by Reference for Optional Terminating Action
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Boeing--                            Revision--                           Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Bulletin 747-28-2265.............  Original.....................  February 22, 2006.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2272.............  Original.....................  February 21, 2006.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2274.............  1............................  May 21, 2008.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2275.............  4............................  February 2, 2009.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2279.............  2............................  October 16, 2007.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2285.............  3............................  August 30, 2007.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2293.............  2............................  March 4, 2008.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2295.............  2............................  January 19, 2009.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2296.............  Original.....................  July 13, 2007.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2300.............  1............................  June 2, 2008.
Service Bulletin 747-28-2314.............  Original.....................  December 9, 2008.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (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.

[[Page 15818]]

    (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 an NARA facility, 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 February 23, 2011.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-5172 Filed 3-21-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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