Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400 Series Airplanes Powered by General Electric CF6-80C2 or Pratt & Whitney PW4000 Series Engines

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 79 (Tuesday, April 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17824-17825]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-9338]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-98-AD; Amendment 39-9571; AD 96-08-05]


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400 Series Airplanes 
Powered by General Electric CF6-80C2 or Pratt & Whitney PW4000 Series 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-400 series airplanes, that 
requires modification of the engine fuel feed system. This amendment is 
prompted by reports indicating that the coupling nut on the fuel tube 
on the outboard strut (engine position 1) fractured. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent such fracturing of the 
coupling nut, which could result in release of fuel onto the engine 
cowling and a subsequent fire.

DATES: Effective May 23, 1996. -
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 23, 1996.

ADDRESSES: 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 Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 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: Tamra J. Elkins, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; telephone (206) 227-
2669; fax (206) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-400 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on December 12, 
1995 (60 FR 63663). That action proposed to require modification of the 
engine fuel feed system. -
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received. -
    One commenter supports the proposed rule. -
    The Air Transport Association (ATA) of America, on behalf of one of 
its members, requests that the proposed compliance time be extended 
from 18 months to 24 months to provide time for operators to procure 
replacement kits and to accomplish the proposed actions during a 
regularly scheduled maintenance (``C'') check. The FAA concurs with the 
commenter's request. The FAA finds that extending the compliance time 
to 24 months will not compromise safety; will allow operators 
sufficient time to procure the necessary replacement kits (estimated by 
the manufacturer to take approximately nine months); and will allow the 
modification to be accomplished during a ``C'' check interval (15 
months for most operators) at a main maintenance base where special 
equipment and trained personnel will be available if necessary. -
    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the change previously 
described. The FAA has determined that this change will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD. -
    There are approximately 226 Model 747-400 series airplanes of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. -
    The FAA estimates that 34 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
required by this AD to replace the strut fuel tubes and couplings at 
engine positions 1 and 4 in accordance with Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-28A2185. That replacement will take approximately 74 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $9,582 per airplane. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of this required replacement on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $476,748, or $14,022 per airplane. -
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted. -
    Currently, there are no Model 747-400 series airplanes on the U.S. 
Register that would be required by this AD to accomplish the 
installation specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2146 [and 
required by paragraph (a)(2) of the final rule]. However, should an 
affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future, it would require approximately 162 work hours per airplane (81 
work hours per engine; 2 engines per airplane) to accomplish the 
installation, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required 
parts would cost approximately $9,582 per airplane. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of this installation would be $19,302 per 
airplane. -
    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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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

[[Page 17825]]

impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities 
under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A final 
evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it 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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended] -

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

96-08-05 Boeing: Amendment 39-9571. Docket 95-NM-98-AD.

    -Applicability: Model 747-400 series airplanes powered by 
General Electric CF6-80C2 or Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series engines; 
as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2185, Revision 
1, dated September 21, 1995, and Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-
2146, dated August 13, 1992; certificated in any category.

    -Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise 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 (b) 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 fracturing of the coupling nut, which could result in 
release of fuel onto the engine cowling and a subsequent fire, 
accomplish the following: -
    (a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2), as 
applicable. -
    (1) For Model 747-400 series airplanes identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2185, Revision 1, dated September 21, 
1995: Replace the strut fuel tubes and couplings at engine numbers 1 
and 4 with new redesigned (shrouded) couplings, in accordance with 
that alert service bulletin. -
    (2) For Model 747-400 series airplanes having variable numbers 
RT641 through RT650 inclusive, identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 
747-28-2146, dated August 13, 1992: On engine positions 1 and 4 
only, install new fuel lines, shrouded fuel line couplings (between 
the strut mid bulkhead and the wing front spar), and drain lines in 
accordance with that service bulletin. -
    (b) 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

    -(c) 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. -
    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-28A2185, Revision 1, dated September 21, 1995, 
and Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2146, dated August 13, 1992. 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. 
-
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on May 23, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 10, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-9338 Filed 4-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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