81 FR 26490 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 85 (May 3, 2016)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 85 (May 3, 2016)
| Page Range | 26490-26493 | |
| FR Document | 2016-09794 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 3, 2016)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 26490-26493] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-09794] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2016-6145; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-056-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. This proposed AD would require modifying the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) to prevent development of an ignition source inside the center fuel tank due to electrical fault conditions. This proposed AD would also provide alternative actions for cargo airplanes. We are proposing this AD to prevent ignition sources inside the center fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 17, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Fax: 202-493-2251. Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-6145. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016- 6145; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon Regimbal, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917- 6506; fax: 425-917-6590; email: Jon.Regimbal@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-6145; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-056-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in fuel tank explosions on several large transport airplanes, including the adequacy of existing regulations, the service history of airplanes subject to those regulations, and existing maintenance practices for fuel tank systems. As a result of those findings, we issued a regulation titled ``Transport Airplane Fuel Tank System Design Review, Flammability Reduction and Maintenance and Inspection Requirements'' (66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new airworthiness standards for transport airplanes and new maintenance requirements, this rule included Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (``SFAR 88''), Amendment 21-78. Subsequently, SFAR 88 was amended by: Amendment 21-82 (67 FR 57490, September 10, 2002; corrected at 67 FR 70809, November 26, 2002) and Amendment 21-83 (67 FR 72830, December 9, 2002; corrected at 68 FR 37735, June 25, 2003, to change ``21-82'' to ``21-83''). Among other actions, SFAR 88 requires holders of certain type designs (i.e., type certificates (TCs) and supplemental type certificate (STCs)) to substantiate that their fuel tank systems can prevent ignition sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement applies to type design holders for large turbine-powered transport airplanes and for subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It requires them to perform design reviews and to develop design changes and maintenance procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel tank safety standards. As explained in the preamble to the rule, we intended to [[Page 26491]] adopt airworthiness directives to mandate any changes found necessary to address unsafe conditions identified as a result of these reviews. In evaluating these design reviews, we have established four criteria intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel tank systems that require corrective actions. The percentage of operating time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable conditions is one of these criteria. The other three criteria address the failure types under evaluation: Single failures, combination of failures, and unacceptable (failure) experience. For all three failure criteria, the evaluations included consideration of previous actions taken that may mitigate the need for further action. We have determined that the actions identified in this proposed AD are necessary to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. Model 747 FQIS Design The design of the in-tank FQIS components and wiring has the potential for latent faults that could cause arcs, sparks, or resistive heating in the event of a hot short of an FQIS tank circuit to power wiring. The wiring of the FQIS is in some areas cobundled or closely adjacent to power wiring. An ignition source combined with flammable conditions in a center fuel tank could result in ignition of flammable vapor in the fuel tank, causing a structural failure of the wing and inflight breakup of the airplane. Under the policy contained in FAA Policy Memo PS-ANM100-2003-112- 15, SFAR 88--Mandatory Action Decision Criteria, dated February 25, 2003 (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgPolicy.nsf/ 0/dc94c3a46396950386256d5e006aed11/$FILE/Feb2503.pdf), the FAA determined that this ignition source risk combined with the fleet average flammability for the center wing tank on Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes created an unsafe condition for the center fuel tank. Applying that same policy, the FAA determined that due to a lower fleet average flammability, that same unsafe condition does not exist in the main (wing) or reserve tanks of Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes. Related Rulemaking On March 21, 2016, we issued AD 2016-07-07, Amendment 39-18452 (81 FR 19472, April 5, 2016), for certain Boeing Model 757-200, -200PF, - 200CB, and -300 series airplanes. AD 2016-07-07 requires similar actions to those proposed in this NPRM. AD 2016-07-07 addressed the numerous public comments that were submitted on the proposal. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2340, dated June 6, 2014. The service information describes procedures for a BITE check (check of built-in test equipment) of the FQIS. Refer to this service information for information on the procedures and compliance times. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. FAA's Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require modifying the FQIS to prevent development of an ignition source inside the center fuel tank due to electrical fault conditions. As an alternative for cargo airplanes, this proposed AD would provide the alternative to modify the airplane by separating FQIS wiring routed between the FQIS processor and the center fuel tank, provided repetitive BITE checks (checks of built-in test equipment) of the FQIS are also performed. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 54 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: Estimated Costs--Required Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost per Cost on U.S. Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Modification................. 1,200 work-hours x $85 per hour = $200,000 $302,000 $16,308,000. $102,000. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated Costs--Alternative Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BITE check........................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $0 $340 per year (4 checks per check. per year). Wire separation...................... 230 work-hours x $85 per hour = $10,000 $29,550. $19,550. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This [[Page 26492]] proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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): The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2016-6145; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-056-AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by June 17, 2016. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes, certificated in any category, excluding airplanes equipped with a flammability reduction means (FRM) approved by the FAA as compliant with the Fuel Tank Flammability Reduction (FTFR) rule (73 FR 42444, July 21, 2008) requirements of section 25.981(b) or section 26.33(c)(1) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 25.981(b) or 14 CFR 26.33(c)(1)). (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent ignition sources inside the center fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Modification Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) to prevent development of an ignition source inside the center fuel tank due to electrical fault conditions, using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. (h) Alternative Actions for Cargo Airplanes For airplanes used exclusively for cargo operations: As an alternative to the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD. To exercise this alternative, operators must perform the first inspection required under paragraph (h)(1) of this AD within 6 months after the effective date of this AD. To exercise this alternative for airplanes returned to service after conversion of the airplane from a passenger configuration to an all-cargo configuration more than 6 months after the effective date of this AD, operators must perform the first inspection required under paragraph (h)(1) of this AD prior to further flight after the conversion. (1) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, record the existing fault codes stored in the FQIS processor and then do a BITE check (check of built-in test equipment) of the FQIS, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2340, dated June 6, 2014. If any nondispatchable fault code is recorded prior to the BITE check or as a result of the BITE check, before further flight, do all applicable repairs and repeat the BITE check until a successful test is performed with no nondispatchable faults found, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2340, dated June 6, 2014. Repeat these actions thereafter at intervals not to exceed 650 flight hours. Modification as specified in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD does not terminate the repetitive BITE check requirement of this paragraph. (2) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the airplane by separating FQIS wiring that runs between the FQIS processor and the center tank wing spar penetrations, including any circuits that might pass through a main fuel tank, from other airplane wiring that is not intrinsically safe, using methods approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (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. 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 paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (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. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) apply. (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures. (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. (j) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jon Regimbal, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6506; fax: 425-917-6590; email: Jon.Regimbal@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544- 5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. [[Page 26493]] Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15, 2016. Victor Wicklund, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016-09794 Filed 5-2-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance fuel tank explosion and consequent loss Comments Invited
(AMOCs) of the airplane. We invite you to send any written
(1) The Manager, International Branch, DATES: We must receive comments on relevant data, views, or arguments about
ANM–116, FAA, has the authority to approve
this proposed AD by June 17, 2016. this proposal. Send your comments to
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In ADDRESSES: You may send comments, an address listed under the ADDRESSES
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your using the procedures found in 14 CFR section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
request to your principal inspector or local 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following 2016–6145; Directorate Identifier 2015–
Flight Standards District Office, as methods: NM–056–AD’’ at the beginning of your
appropriate. If sending information directly comments. We specifically invite
to the manager of the ACO, send it to the • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
comments on the overall regulatory,
attention of the person identified in http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
economic, environmental, and energy
paragraph (j) of this AD. instructions for submitting comments.
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, • Fax: 202–493–2251. consider all comments received by the
notify your appropriate principal inspector, • Mail: U.S. Department of
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager closing date and may amend this
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– proposed AD because of those
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office. 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room comments.
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., We will post all comments we
(j) Related Information Washington, DC 20590. receive, without change, to http://
For more information about this AD, • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail www.regulations.gov, including any
contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, address above between 9 a.m. and 5 personal information you provide. We
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport p.m., Monday through Friday, except will also post a report summarizing each
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
Federal holidays. substantive verbal contact we receive
telephone 425–227–2125; fax 425–227–1149. For service information identified in about this proposed AD.
this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial Discussion
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15,
2016. Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, The FAA has examined the
Victor Wicklund, underlying safety issues involved in fuel
Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane tank explosions on several large
206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. transport airplanes, including the
766–5680; Internet https://
[FR Doc. 2016–09789 Filed 5–2–16; 8:45 am] adequacy of existing regulations, the
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
this referenced service information at service history of airplanes subject to
the FAA, Transport Airplane those regulations, and existing
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., maintenance practices for fuel tank
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION systems. As a result of those findings,
Renton, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, we issued a regulation titled ‘‘Transport
Federal Aviation Administration
call 425–227–1221. It is also available Airplane Fuel Tank System Design
on the internet at http:// Review, Flammability Reduction and
14 CFR Part 39
www.regulations.gov by searching for Maintenance and Inspection
[Docket No. FAA–2016–6145; Directorate and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– Requirements’’ (66 FR 23086, May 7,
Identifier 2015–NM–056–AD] 6145. 2001). In addition to new airworthiness
standards for transport airplanes and
RIN 2120–AA64 Examining the AD Docket new maintenance requirements, this
You may examine the AD docket on rule included Special Federal Aviation
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
the Internet at http:// Regulation No. 88 (‘‘SFAR 88’’),
Company Airplanes
www.regulations.gov by searching for Amendment 21–78. Subsequently,
AGENCY: Federal Aviation and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– SFAR 88 was amended by: Amendment
Administration (FAA), DOT. 6145; or in person at the Docket 21–82 (67 FR 57490, September 10,
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking Management Facility between 9 a.m. 2002; corrected at 67 FR 70809,
(NPRM). and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, November 26, 2002) and Amendment
except Federal holidays. The AD docket 21–83 (67 FR 72830, December 9, 2002;
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new contains this proposed AD, the corrected at 68 FR 37735, June 25, 2003,
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain regulatory evaluation, any comments to change ‘‘21–82’’ to ‘‘21–83’’).
The Boeing Company Model 747–400, received, and other information. The Among other actions, SFAR 88
747–400D, and 747–400F series street address for the Docket Office requires holders of certain type designs
airplanes. This proposed AD was (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the (i.e., type certificates (TCs) and
prompted by fuel system reviews ADDRESSES section. Comments will be supplemental type certificate (STCs)) to
conducted by the manufacturer. This available in the AD docket shortly after substantiate that their fuel tank systems
proposed AD would require modifying receipt. can prevent ignition sources in the fuel
the fuel quantity indicating system tanks. This requirement applies to type
asabaliauskas on DSK9F6TC42PROD with PROPOSALS
(FQIS) to prevent development of an FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon design holders for large turbine-
ignition source inside the center fuel Regimbal, Aerospace Engineer, powered transport airplanes and for
tank due to electrical fault conditions. Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, subsequent modifications to those
This proposed AD would also provide Seattle Aircraft Certification Office airplanes. It requires them to perform
alternative actions for cargo airplanes. (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, design reviews and to develop design
We are proposing this AD to prevent WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6506; changes and maintenance procedures if
ignition sources inside the center fuel fax: 425–917–6590; email: their designs do not meet the new fuel
tank, which, in combination with Jon.Regimbal@faa.gov. tank safety standards. As explained in
flammable fuel vapors, could result in a SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: the preamble to the rule, we intended to
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proposed AD would not have a (e) Unsafe Condition (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
substantial direct effect on the States, on This AD was prompted by fuel system (AMOCs)
the relationship between the national reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Government and the States, or on the are issuing this AD to prevent ignition Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
distribution of power and sources inside the center fuel tank, which, in authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
responsibilities among the various combination with flammable fuel vapors, requested using the procedures found in 14
levels of government. could result in a fuel tank explosion and CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
For the reasons discussed above, I consequent loss of the airplane. send your request to your principal inspector
certify this proposed regulation: (f) Compliance or local Flight Standards District Office, as
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory appropriate. If sending information directly
action’’ under Executive Order 12866, Comply with this AD within the
to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under compliance times specified, unless already
attention of the person identified in
the DOT Regulatory Policies and done.
paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, (g) Modification emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-
1979), Within 60 months after the effective date Requests@faa.gov.
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation of this AD, modify the fuel quantity (2) Before using any approved AMOC,
in Alaska, and indicating system (FQIS) to prevent notify your appropriate principal inspector,
(4) Will not have a significant development of an ignition source inside the or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
economic impact, positive or negative, center fuel tank due to electrical fault of the local flight standards district office/
on a substantial number of small entities conditions, using a method approved in certificate holding district office.
under the criteria of the Regulatory accordance with the procedures specified in (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
Flexibility Act. paragraph (i) of this AD. level of safety may be used for any repair,
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 (h) Alternative Actions for Cargo Airplanes modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by the Boeing
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation For airplanes used exclusively for cargo Commercial Airplanes Organization
safety, Incorporation by reference, operations: As an alternative to the
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
Safety. requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, do
been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and
The Proposed Amendment ACO, to make those findings. To be
(h)(2) of this AD. To exercise this alternative,
approved, the repair method, modification
Accordingly, under the authority operators must perform the first inspection
required under paragraph (h)(1) of this AD deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
delegated to me by the Administrator,
within 6 months after the effective date of the certification basis of the airplane, and the
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
this AD. To exercise this alternative for approval must specifically refer to this AD.
39 as follows:
airplanes returned to service after conversion (4) For service information that contains
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS of the airplane from a passenger steps that are labeled as Required for
DIRECTIVES configuration to an all-cargo configuration Compliance (RC), the provisions of
more than 6 months after the effective date paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) apply.
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 of this AD, operators must perform the first (i) The steps labeled as RC, including
continues to read as follows: inspection required under paragraph (h)(1) of substeps under an RC step and any figures
this AD prior to further flight after the identified in an RC step, must be done to
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
conversion. comply with the AD. An AMOC is required
§ 39.13 [Amended] (1) Within 6 months after the effective date for any deviations to RC steps, including
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding of this AD, record the existing fault codes substeps and identified figures.
the following new airworthiness stored in the FQIS processor and then do a (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be
directive (AD): BITE check (check of built-in test equipment) deviated from using accepted methods in
of the FQIS, in accordance with the accordance with the operator’s maintenance
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing or inspection program without obtaining
2016–6145; Directorate Identifier 2015– Service Bulletin 747–28–2340, dated June 6, approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,
NM–056–AD. 2014. If any nondispatchable fault code is including substeps and identified figures, can
(a) Comments Due Date recorded prior to the BITE check or as a still be done as specified, and the airplane
result of the BITE check, before further flight, can be put back in an airworthy condition.
We must receive comments by June 17,
2016. do all applicable repairs and repeat the BITE
check until a successful test is performed (j) Related Information
(b) Affected ADs with no nondispatchable faults found, in (1) For more information about this AD,
None. accordance with the Accomplishment contact Jon Regimbal, Aerospace Engineer,
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747– Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle
(c) Applicability 28–2340, dated June 6, 2014. Repeat these ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
This AD applies to The Boeing Company actions thereafter at intervals not to exceed
Model 747–400, –400D, and –400F series 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6506; fax: 425–
650 flight hours. Modification as specified in
airplanes, certificated in any category, 917–6590; email: Jon.Regimbal@faa.gov.
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD does not
excluding airplanes equipped with a (2) For service information identified in
terminate the repetitive BITE check
flammability reduction means (FRM) this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
requirement of this paragraph.
approved by the FAA as compliant with the Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
asabaliauskas on DSK9F6TC42PROD with PROPOSALS
(2) Within 60 months after the effective
Fuel Tank Flammability Reduction (FTFR) Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,
date of this AD, modify the airplane by
rule (73 FR 42444, July 21, 2008) Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–
separating FQIS wiring that runs between the
requirements of section 25.981(b) or section 544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680;
26.33(c)(1) of the Federal Aviation FQIS processor and the center tank wing spar
penetrations, including any circuits that Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
Regulations (14 CFR 25.981(b) or 14 CFR
might pass through a main fuel tank, from may view this referenced service information
26.33(c)(1)).
other airplane wiring that is not intrinsically at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
(d) Subject safe, using methods approved in accordance 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
Air Transport Association (ATA) of with the procedures specified in paragraph information on the availability of this
America Code 28, Fuel. (i) of this AD. material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 3, 2016 / Proposed Rules 26493
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15, Examining the AD Docket rule included Special Federal Aviation
2016. Regulation No. 88 (‘‘SFAR 88’’),
You may examine the AD docket on
Victor Wicklund, Amendment 21–78. Subsequently,
the Internet at http://
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane www.regulations.gov by searching for SFAR 88 was amended by: Amendment
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 21–82 (67 FR 57490, September 10,
[FR Doc. 2016–09794 Filed 5–2–16; 8:45 am] 6143; or in person at the Docket 2002; corrected at 67 FR 70809,
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Management Facility between 9 a.m. November 26, 2002) and Amendment
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 21–83 (67 FR 72830, December 9, 2002;
except Federal holidays. The AD docket corrected at 68 FR 37735, June 25, 2003,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION contains this proposed AD, the to change ‘‘21–82’’ to ‘‘21–83’’).
Among other actions, SFAR 88
Federal Aviation Administration regulatory evaluation, any comments
requires certain type design (i.e., type
received, and other information. The
certificate (TC) and supplemental type
14 CFR Part 39 street address for the Docket Office
certificate (STC)) holders to substantiate
(phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
[Docket No. FAA–2016–6143; Directorate that their fuel tank systems can prevent
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
Identifier 2015–NM–028–AD] ignition sources in the fuel tanks. This
available in the AD docket shortly after requirement applies to type design
RIN 2120–AA64 receipt. holders for large turbine-powered
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan transport airplanes and for subsequent
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, modifications to those airplanes. It
Airplanes International Branch, ANM–116, requires them to perform design reviews
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, and to develop design changes and
Administration (FAA), DOT. 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA maintenance procedures if their designs
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–2125; do not meet the new fuel tank safety
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking fax 425–227–1149.
(NPRM). standards. As explained in the preamble
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: to the rule, we intended to adopt
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new Comments Invited airworthiness directives to mandate any
airworthiness directive (AD) for all changes found necessary to address
Airbus Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R, We invite you to send any written unsafe conditions identified as a result
and F4–600R series airplanes, and relevant data, views, or arguments about of these reviews.
Model A300 C4–605R Variant F this proposal. Send your comments to In evaluating these design reviews, we
airplanes (collectively called Model an address listed under the ADDRESSES have established four criteria intended
A300–600 series airplanes), and Model section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– to define the unsafe conditions
A310 series airplanes. This proposed 2016–6143; Directorate Identifier 2015– associated with fuel tank systems that
AD was prompted by fuel system NM–028–AD’’ at the beginning of your require corrective actions. The
reviews conducted by the manufacturer. comments. We specifically invite percentage of operating time during
This proposed AD would require comments on the overall regulatory, which fuel tanks are exposed to
modifying the fuel quantity indicating economic, environmental, and energy flammable conditions is one of these
system (FQIS) to prevent development aspects of this proposed AD. We will criteria. The other three criteria address
of an ignition source inside the center consider all comments received by the the failure types under evaluation:
fuel tank due to electrical fault closing date and may amend this Single failures, combination of failures,
conditions. This proposed AD would proposed AD because of those and unacceptable (failure) experience.
also provide alternative actions for cargo comments. For all three failure criteria, the
airplanes. We are proposing this AD to We will post all comments we evaluations included consideration of
prevent ignition sources inside the receive, without change, to http:// previous actions taken that may mitigate
center fuel tank, which, in combination www.regulations.gov, including any the need for further action.
with flammable fuel vapors, could result personal information you provide. We We have determined that the actions
in a fuel tank explosion and consequent will also post a report summarizing each identified in this proposed AD are
loss of the airplane. substantive verbal contact we receive necessary to reduce the potential of
about this proposed AD. ignition sources inside fuel tanks,
DATES: We must receive comments on
Discussion which, in combination with flammable
this proposed AD by June 17, 2016.
fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, The FAA has examined the explosions and consequent loss of the
using the procedures found in 14 CFR underlying safety issues involved in fuel airplane.
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following tank explosions on several large
methods: transport airplanes, including the Model A300–600/A310 FQIS Design
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to adequacy of existing regulations, the The design of the in-tank FQIS
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the service history of airplanes subject to components and wiring has the
instructions for submitting comments. those regulations, and existing potential for a latent FQIS electrical
• Fax: 202–493–2251. maintenance practices for fuel tank fault condition inside the fuel tank
asabaliauskas on DSK9F6TC42PROD with PROPOSALS
• Mail: U.S. Department of systems. As a result of those findings, combined with an electrical hot short
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– we issued a regulation titled ‘‘Transport condition connecting a high power
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room Airplane Fuel Tank System Design source to the FQIS wiring to cause an
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Review, Flammability Reduction and ignition source in a fuel tank.
Washington, DC 20590. Maintenance and Inspection Under the policy contained in FAA
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail Requirements’’ (66 FR 23086, May 7, Policy Memo PS–ANM100–2003–112–
address above between 9 a.m. and 5 2001). In addition to new airworthiness 15, SFAR 88—Mandatory Action
p.m., Monday through Friday, except standards for transport airplanes and Decision Criteria, dated February 25,
Federal holidays. new maintenance requirements, this 2003 (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_
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Document Created: 2016-05-03 00:30:21
Document Modified: 2016-05-03 00:30:21
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). | |
| Dates | We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 17, 2016. | |
| Contact | Jon Regimbal, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917- 6506; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 26490 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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