Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 and 767 Series Airplanes Powered by General Electric Model CF6-80C2 Series Engines

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 240 (Wednesday, December 15, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 69964-69967]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-32510]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-228-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 and 767 Series 
Airplanes Powered by General Electric Model CF6-80C2 Series Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 
and 767 series airplanes, that currently requires revising the FAA-
approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to prohibit the use of certain 
fuels; and either replacing an existing placard with a new placard, or 
replacing all dribble flow fuel nozzles (DFFN) with standard fuel 
nozzles, which terminates the requirements for the new placard and AFM 
revision. This action would continue these requirements and add 
identical requirements applicable to airplanes on which standard fuel 
nozzles are not installed. This proposal is prompted by a report of an 
engine flameout due to use of JP-4 or Jet B fuel during certification 
testing on an engine with DFFN's installed. The actions specified by 
the proposed AD are intended to prevent such engine flameouts and 
consequent engine shutdown.

DATES: Comments must be received by January 31, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-228-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dionne M. Stanley, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2250; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 99-NM-228-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 99-NM-228-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On April 9, 1998, the FAA issued AD 98-08-23, amendment 39-10472 
(63 FR 18817, April 16, 1998), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 
and 767 series airplanes powered by General Electric (GE) Model CF6-
80C2 series engines, to require revising the FAA-approved Airplane 
Flight Manual (AFM) to prohibit the use of certain fuels; and either 
replacing an existing placard with a new placard, or replacing all 
dribble flow fuel nozzles (DFFN) with standard fuel nozzles, which 
terminates the requirements for the new placard and AFM revision. That 
action was prompted by a report of an engine flameout due to use of JP-
4 or Jet B fuel

[[Page 69965]]

during certification testing on an engine with DFFN's installed. The 
requirements of that AD are intended to prevent such engine flameouts 
and consequent engine shutdown.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of that AD, GE has designed two new DFFN's to 
address in-service problems with the fuel nozzle heat shield 
attachment. The heat shield improvement is necessary to minimize the 
potential for a combustor burn-through event. However, the new heat 
shield design does not address the design issue associated with the 
wide cut fuel restrictions required by AD 98-08-23. Therefore, 
airplanes equipped with the new DFFN's would still be subject to the 
unsafe condition addressed in AD 98-08-23.
    However, because the part numbers of these new GE DFFN's are not 
specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-11A2052, or Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 767-11A0031, both dated September 11, 1997 (which were 
listed in AD 98-08-23 as appropriate sources of service information), 
operators having airplanes with the new DFFN's installed would not be 
required to comply with AD 98-08-23. Therefore, a fleet-wide wide cut 
fuel restriction, similar to that required by AD 98-08-23, is included 
in the design approval of the new GE DFFN's.
    The FAA has determined, however, that if an operator obtains the 
new GE DFFN's through a source other than the airplane or engine 
manufacturer, there is no way to ensure that the operator would comply 
with the wide cut fuel restriction for all airplanes in its fleet. 
Therefore, to ensure that the fuel restriction applies to all affected 
airplanes, the FAA finds that additional rulemaking action is required. 
This proposed AD follows from that determination.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-11A2052, Revision 1, dated August 5, 1999 (for Model 747 series 
airplanes); and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-11A0031, Revision 1, 
dated August 12, 1999 (for Model 767 series airplanes). The alert 
service bulletins describe procedures for replacing the existing 
placard on the door of the fueling control panel with a new placard 
that prohibits the use of JP-4 and Jet B fuels (wide cut fuels). 
Additionally, the alert service bulletins describe procedures for 
removing any DFFN's, including the new DFFN's, and replacing them with 
standard fuel nozzles, which eliminates the need for the new placard.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would supersede AD 98-08-23 to continue to require 
revisions to the FAA-approved AFM to prohibit the use of wide cut 
fuels. This action also would continue to require either replacement of 
the existing placard on the door of the fueling control panel with a 
new placard, or replacement of all DFFN's with standard fuel nozzles 
(the latter option terminates the requirements for an AFM revision and 
a new placard). The replacements would be required to be accomplished 
in accordance with the applicable alert service bulletin described 
previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Between Alert Service Bulletins and Proposed Rule

    Operators should note that, although the alert service bulletins 
only apply to airplanes on which DFFN's are installed, this proposed AD 
would apply to any airplane that does not have certain fuel nozzles 
installed. The FAA has determined that, because GE is continuing to 
design and certify new DFFN's, it is necessary to identify the part 
numbers of acceptable standard fuel nozzles rather than the part 
numbers of DFFN's to preclude the need for future rulemaking.

Explanation of Changes Made to the Requirements of AD 98-08-23

    Operators should note that paragraphs (a) and (b) of AD 98-08-23 
have not been restated in this proposal. Those paragraphs in AD 98-08-
23 restate the requirements of AD 97-22-04, amendment 39-10175 (62 FR 
55728, October 28, 1997), and require, for all airplanes with DFFN's 
installed, revising the FAA-approved AFM to prohibit the use of certain 
fuels; and either replacing an existing placard with a new placard, or 
replacing all DFFN with standard fuel nozzles. AD 98-08-23 required the 
same actions, but made those requirements applicable to all airplanes 
in an operator's fleet if a DFFN was installed on any airplane in that 
operator's fleet. The FAA finds that the original requirements of AD 
97-22-04 are implicit in the requirements introduced by AD 98-08-23. 
Because the compliance time for the requirements of AD 98-08-23 has 
already passed, it is unnecessary to restate the requirements of AD 97-
22-04.
    The FAA also has incorporated previously approved alternative 
methods of compliance to AD 98-08-23. Paragraph (a) of this proposed AD 
references Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-11A2052, Revision 1, dated 
August 5, 1999 (for Model 747 series airplanes), or Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 767-11A0031, Revision 1, dated August 12, 1999 (for 
Model 767 series airplanes), as applicable, as appropriate sources of 
service information.
    In addition, to clarify which DFFN part numbers were subject to the 
existing AD, paragraph (a) of this AD has been revised to specify the 
part numbers of DFFN's for which that paragraph is applicable.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 430 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 115 airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD.
    The AFM revision that is currently required by AD 98-08-23, and 
retained in this proposed AD, takes approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the currently required 
actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $6,900, or $60 per 
airplane.
    The placard replacement that is currently required by AD 98-08-23, 
and retained in this proposed AD, takes approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Required parts cost approximately $12 per airplane. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the currently required actions on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $8,280, or $72 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed 
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

[[Page 69966]]

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as 
follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-10472 (63 FR 
18817, April 16, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

Boeing: Docket 99-NM-228-AD. Supersedes AD 98-08-23, Amendment 39-
10472.

    Applicability: Model 747 and 767 series airplanes, powered by 
General Electric Model CF6-80C2 series engines, certificated in any 
category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) 
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 engine flameouts due to the use of JP-4 or Jet B fuel 
on certain engines with dribble flow fuel nozzles (DFFN) installed, 
and consequent engine shutdown, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of           AD 98-08-23

Airplane Flight Manual Revision

    (a) If a DFFN having General Electric part number 9331M72P33, 
9331M72P34, or 9331M72P41 is installed on any airplane in a specific 
operator's fleet, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) 
and (a)(2) of this AD; in accordance with either Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-11A2052, dated September 11, 1997, or Revision 
1, dated August 5, 1999 (for Model 747 series airplanes); or Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 767-11A0031, dated September 11, 1997, or 
Revision 1, dated August 12, 1999 (for Model 767 series airplanes); 
as applicable.
    (1) Within 14 days after May 1, 1998 (the effective date of AD 
98-08-23), all airplanes in a specific operator's fleet must revise 
Section 1 of the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved AFM to 
include the following procedures. This may be accomplished by 
inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM.
    (i) Revise paragraph 1 of the Engine Fuel System section to read 
as follows: ``The fuel designation is General Electric (GE) 
Specification D50TF2, as revised. Fuel conforming to commercial jet 
fuel specification ASTM-D-1655, Jet A, and Jet A-1 are authorized 
for unlimited use in this engine. Fuels conforming to MIL-T-5624 
grade JP-5 and MIL-T-83113 grade JP-8 are acceptable alternatives. 
The engine will operate satisfactorily with any of the foregoing 
fuels or any mixture thereof.'' And,
    (ii) Add the following sentence to paragraph 2 of the Engine 
Fuel System section: ``The use of Jet B and JP-4 fuel is 
prohibited.''

Modification

    (2) Within 30 days after May 1, 1998, all airplanes in a 
specific operator's fleet must accomplish the requirements of 
paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
    (i) Remove the existing placard on the door of the fueling 
control panel and replace it with a new placard that restricts the 
use of JP-4 and Jet B fuels (wide cut fuels), in accordance with the 
applicable alert service bulletin. Or
    (ii) Remove the DFFN's, and replace them with standard fuel 
nozzles, in accordance with the applicable alert service bulletin. 
When an operator's entire fleet has had all DFFN's replaced with 
standard fuel nozzles, the AFM revision required by paragraphs 
(a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD may be removed from the AFM, and 
the placard required by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this AD may be 
removed from each airplane.

Spares

    (b) As of May 1, 1998, no person shall install any DFFN having 
General Electric part number 9331M72P33, 9331M72P34, or 9331M72P41 
on any airplane unless the requirements specified by paragraphs 
(a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii), and (a)(2)(i) of this AD have been 
accomplished for the operator's entire fleet.

New Requirements of This AD

Airplane Flight Manual Revision

    (c) If a fuel nozzle NOT having one of the General Electric part 
numbers listed in Table 1 of this AD is installed on any airplane in a 
specific operator's fleet: Within 14 days after the effective date of 
this AD, revise Section 1 of the Limitations Section of the FAA-
approved AFM for each airplane in the operator's fleet to include the 
following procedures. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of 
this AD into the AFM.

    Table 1.--General Electric Fuel Nozzles      Acceptable      for
                              Installation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Part Number
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                               9331M72P14
                               9331M72P20
                               9331M72P21
                               9331M72P23
                               9331M72P24
                               9331M72P27
                               9331M72P28
                               9331M72P39
                               9331M72P40
                               1968M49P03
                               1968M49P04
                               1968M49P05
                               1968M49P06
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) Revise paragraph 1 of the Engine Fuel System section to read 
as follows: ``The fuel designation is General Electric (GE) 
Specification D50TF2, as revised. Fuel conforming to commercial jet 
fuel specification ASTM-D-1655, Jet A, and Jet A-1 are authorized 
for unlimited use in this engine. Fuels conforming to MIL-T-5624 
grade JP-5 and MIL-T-83113 grade JP-8 are acceptable alternatives. 
The engine will operate satisfactorily with any of the foregoing 
fuels or any mixture thereof.'' And,
    (2) Add the following sentence to paragraph 2 of the Engine Fuel 
System section: ``The use of Jet B and JP-4 fuel is prohibited.''

Modification

    (d) If a fuel nozzle not having one of the General Electric part 
numbers listed in Table 1 of this AD is installed on any airplane in 
a specific operator's fleet: Within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (d)(1) or 
(d)(2) of this AD on each airplane in the operator's fleet, in 
accordance with either Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-11A2052, 
Revision 1, dated August 5, 1999 (for Model 747 series airplanes); 
or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-11A0031, Revision 1, dated 
August 12, 1999 (for Model 767 series airplanes); as applicable.
    (1) Remove the existing placard on the door of the fueling 
control panel and replace it with a new placard that restricts the 
use of JP-4 and Jet B fuels (wide cut fuels), in accordance with the 
applicable alert service bulletin. Or

[[Page 69967]]

    (2) Remove any fuel nozzle having a part number not listed in 
Table 1 of this AD, and replace it with a fuel nozzle having a part 
number listed in Table 1 of this AD, in accordance with the 
applicable alert service bulletin. When an operator's entire fleet 
has only fuel nozzles having a part number listed in Table 1 of this 
AD installed, the AFM revision required by paragraph (c) of this AD 
may be removed from the AFM, and the placard required by paragraph 
(d)(1) of this AD may be removed from each airplane.
    (e) Except as provided by paragraphs (b) and (f) of this AD, if 
all fuel nozzles installed on any airplane in a specific operator's 
fleet have one of the General Electric part numbers listed in Table 
1 of this AD, no further action is required by this AD.

Spares

    (f) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
any fuel nozzle NOT having one of the General Electric part numbers 
listed in Table 1 of this AD on any airplane unless the requirements 
specified by paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (d)(1) of this AD have 
been accomplished for the operator's entire fleet.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (g)(1) 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.
    (g)(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 98-08-23, amendment 39-10472, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (h) 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 9, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-32510 Filed 12-14-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U