Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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37294 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 124 / Wednesday, June 29, 2005 / Proposed Rules
site, anyone can find and read the unsafe conditions identified as a result standard wiring practices manual, until
comments in any of our dockets, of these reviews. the resistance is within allowable limits.
including the name of the individual In evaluating these design reviews, we We have also reviewed Boeing Special
who sent the comment (or signed the have established four criteria intended Attention Service Bulletin 767–57–
comment on behalf of an association, to define the unsafe conditions 0092, dated November 4, 2004 (for
business, labor union, etc.). You can associated with fuel tank systems that Boeing Model 767–200, –300, and
review DOT’s complete Privacy Act require corrective actions. The –300F series airplanes); and Boeing
Statement in the Federal Register percentage of operating time during Special Attention Service Bulletin 767–
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR which fuel tanks are exposed to 57–0093, dated November 4, 2004 (for
19477–78), or you can visit http:// flammable conditions is one of these Boeing Model 767–400ER series
dms.dot.gov. criteria. The other three criteria address airplanes). These service bulletins
Examining the Docket the failure types under evaluation: describe procedures for reworking the
Single failures, single failures in electrical bonding between the airplane
You can examine the AD docket on combination with another latent structure and the pump housing of the
the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in condition(s), and in-service failure override/jettison pumps in the left and
person at the Docket Management experience. For all four criteria, the right wing center auxiliary fuel tanks,
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 evaluations included consideration of and related investigative actions and
p.m., Monday through Friday, except previous actions taken that may mitigate corrective actions. The rework consists
Federal holidays. The Docket the need for further action. of cleaning the wing rib/ground bracket
Management Facility office (telephone We have received a report indicating bonding surface, installing new
(800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza that the outboard boost pumps in the fasteners for the ground brackets of the
level of the Nassif Building at the DOT main fuel tank of certain Boeing Model fuel override/jettison pump, using new
street address stated in the ADDRESSES 747 airplanes, and the override/jettison bonding processes during the
section. Comments will be available in pumps in the left and right wing center installation, and sealing the ground
the AD docket shortly after the Docket auxiliary fuel tanks of certain Boeing brackets. The related investigative
Management System (DMS) receives Model 767 airplanes, have insufficient actions are measuring the electrical
them. electrical bonding between the pump resistance at specified points in the re-
housing and the airplane structure. This work process. If the electrical resistance
Discussion
condition, if not corrected, could result is greater than the maximum allowable
The FAA has examined the in an ignition source inside the fuel resistance specified in the service
underlying safety issues involved in tanks, which, in combination with bulletin, the corrective action specified
recent fuel tank explosions on several flammable fuel vapors, could result in in the procedures includes repeating the
large transport airplanes, including the fuel tank explosions and consequent applicable corrective actions and the
adequacy of existing regulations, the loss of the airplane. applicable related investigative actions
service history of airplanes subject to until the resistance is within allowable
those regulations, and existing Relevant Service Information limits.
maintenance practices for fuel tank We have reviewed Boeing Special Accomplishing the actions specified
systems. As a result of those findings, Attention Service Bulletin 747–28– in the service information is intended to
we issued a regulation titled ‘‘Transport 2259, dated November 4, 2004 (for adequately address the unsafe
Airplane Fuel Tank System Design Boeing Model 747–100, 747–100B, 747– condition.
Review, Flammability Reduction and 100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C, 747–
Maintenance and Inspection FAA’s Determination and Requirements
200F, 747–300, 747–400, 747–400D,
Requirements’’ (67 FR 23086, May 7, of the Proposed AD
747–400F, 747SR, and 747SP series
2001). In addition to new airworthiness airplanes). This service bulletin We have evaluated all pertinent
standards for transport airplanes and describes procedures for reworking the information and identified an unsafe
new maintenance requirements, this electrical bonding between the airplane condition that is likely to exist or
rule included Special Federal Aviation structure and the pump housing of the develop on other airplanes of this same
Regulation No. 88 (‘‘SFAR 88,’’ outboard boost pumps in the main fuel type design. Therefore, we are
Amendment 21–78, and subsequent tank, and related investigative and proposing this AD, which would require
Amendments 21–82 and 21–83). corrective actions. The rework consists accomplishing the actions specified in
Among other actions, SFAR 88 of replacing the four mounting fasteners the service information described
requires certain type design (i.e., type on each of the pump housings with previously, except as discussed under
certificate (TC) and supplemental type rivets, stenciling each new rivet with ‘‘Difference Between the Proposed AD
certificate (STC)) holders to substantiate the statement: ‘‘CAUTION—BONDING and Special Attention Service Bulletin
that their fuel tank systems can prevent RIVET,’’ and, when the related 747–28–2259.’’
ignition sources in the fuel tanks. This investigative actions are completed, Difference Between the Proposed AD
requirement applies to type design sealing the new rivets as specified in the and Special Attention Service Bulletin
holders for large turbine-powered airplane maintenance manual. The 747–28–2259
transport airplanes and for subsequent related investigative actions are
modifications to those airplanes. It measuring the electrical resistance of Although Boeing Special Attention
requires them to perform design reviews the new rivets, and doing an open-hole Service Bulletin 747–28–2259 does not
and to develop design changes and high-frequency eddy current (HFEC) specify an action to take if any crack,
maintenance procedures if their designs inspection for cracks, corrosion, and corrosion, or damage is found during
do not meet the new fuel tank safety damage. If the resistance is greater than the open-hole HFEC inspection, this
standards. As explained in the preamble the maximum allowable resistance proposed AD would require operators to
to the rule, we intended to adopt specified in the service bulletin, the repair those conditions in one of the
airworthiness directives to mandate any procedures include reworking the following ways:
changes found necessary to address bonding as necessary according to the • Using a method that we approve; or
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 124 / Wednesday, June 29, 2005 / Proposed Rules 37295
• Using data that meet the Organization whom we have authorized The following table provides the
certification basis of the airplane, and to make those findings. estimated costs for U.S. operators to
that have been approved by an Costs of Compliance comply with this proposed AD.
Authorized Representative for the
Boeing Delegation Option Authorization There are about 3,401 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Number of
Average labor Cost per air-
Action Work hour U.S.-registered Fleet cost
rate pere hour plane airplanes
Rework electrical bonding for Boeing Model 747 airplanes 10 $65 $650 1,115 $724,750
Rework electrical bonding for Boeing Model 767 airplanes 9 65 585 921 538,785
Authority for This Rulemaking have a substantial direct effect on the the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
Title 49 of the United States Code States, on the relationship between the 39 as follows:
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue National Government and the States, or
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, on the distribution of power and PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
Section 106, describes the authority of responsibilities among the various DIRECTIVES
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, levels of government.
Aviation Programs, describes in more For the reasons discussed above, I 1. The authority citation for part 39
certify that the proposed regulation: continues to read as follows:
detail the scope of the Agency’s
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
authority. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
We are issuing this rulemaking under
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the § 39.13 [Amended]
the authority described in Subtitle VII, DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that 3. Will not have a significant the following new airworthiness
section, Congress charges the FAA with economic impact, positive or negative, directive (AD):
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in on a substantial number of small entities
air commerce by prescribing regulations Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2005–21701;
under the criteria of the Regulatory Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–086–AD.
for practices, methods, and procedures Flexibility Act.
the Administrator finds necessary for We prepared a regulatory evaluation Comments Due Date
safety in air commerce. This regulation of the estimated costs to comply with (a) The Federal Aviation Administration
is within the scope of that authority this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES (FAA) must receive comments on this AD
because it addresses an unsafe condition section for a location to examine the action by August 15, 2005.
that is likely to exist or develop on regulatory evaluation.
products identified in this rulemaking Affected ADs
action. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
(b) None.
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
Regulatory Findings Applicability
safety, Safety.
We have determined that this (c) This AD applies to the Boeing airplane
proposed AD would not have federalism The Proposed Amendment
models identified in Table 1 of this AD,
implications under Executive Order Accordingly, under the authority certificated in any category.
13132. This proposed AD would not delegated to me by the Administrator,
747–100, 747–100B, 747–100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C, 747– 747–28–2259, dated November 4, 2004.
200F, 747–300, 747–400, 747–400D, 747–400F, 747SR, and 747SP
series airplanes.
767–200, –300, and –300F series airplanes ........................................... 767–57–0092, dated November 4, 2004.
767–400ER series airplanes .................................................................... 767–57–0093, dated November 4, 2004.
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37296 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 124 / Wednesday, June 29, 2005 / Proposed Rules
applicable corrective actions. If any crack, trim tanks with new, improved float 2005–21702; Directorate Identifier
corrosion, or damage is found during the valves, which terminates the need for 2005–NM–024–AD’’ at the beginning of
open-hole high-frequency eddy current the repetitive inspections. This your comments. We specifically invite
inspection specified in Boeing Special
proposed AD would also require comments on the overall regulatory,
Attention Service Bulletin 747–28–2259,
dated November 4, 2004: Before further repetitive replacement of certain new, economic, environmental, and energy
flight, repair in accordance with a method improved float valves. This proposed aspects of the proposed AD. We will
approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft AD is prompted by reports of detached consider all comments submitted by the
Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or in and damaged float valves in the trim closing date and may amend the
accordance with data meeting the tanks. We are proposing this AD to proposed AD in light of those
certification basis of the airplane approved prevent, in the event of a lightning comments.
by an Authorized Representative for the strike to the horizontal stabilizer, We will post all comments we
Boeing Delegation Option Authorization receive, without change, to http://
sparking of metal parts and debris from
Organization who has been authorized by the dms.dot.gov, including any personal
Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those detached and damaged float valves, or a
findings. For a repair method to be approved, buildup of static electricity, which information you provide. We will also
the approval must specifically reference this could result in ignition of fuel vapors post a report summarizing each
AD. and consequent fire or explosion. substantive verbal contact with FAA
(2) For Boeing Model 767–200, –300, DATES: We must receive comments on
personnel concerning this proposed AD.
–300F, and –400ER series airplanes: Rework this proposed AD by July 29, 2005. Using the search function of our docket
the electrical bonding between the airplane Web site, anyone can find and read the
structure and the pump housing of the ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
comments in any of our dockets,
override/jettison pumps in the left and right addresses to submit comments on this including the name of the individual
wing center auxiliary fuel tanks, and do the proposed AD. who sent the comment (or signed the
related investigative and applicable • DOT Docket Web site: Go to
corrective actions.
comment on behalf of an association,
http://dms.dot.gov and follow the business, labor union, etc.). You can
Alternative Methods of Compliance instructions for sending your comments review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act
(AMOCs) electronically. Statement in the Federal Register
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
(g) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, has published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
19477–78), or you can visit http://
if requested in accordance with the and follow the instructions for sending
dms.dot.gov.
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. your comments electronically.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 21,
• Mail: Docket Management Facility, Examining the Docket
2005. U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 You can examine the AD docket on
Ali Bahrami, Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in
room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590. person at the Docket Management
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
• By fax: (202) 493–2251. Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on p.m., Monday through Friday, except
[FR Doc. 05–12840 Filed 6–28–05; 8:45 am]
the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Federal holidays. The Docket
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, Management Facility office (telephone
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday (800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza
through Friday, except Federal holidays. level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
For service information identified in street address stated in the ADDRESSES
Federal Aviation Administration this proposed AD, contact Airbus, 1 section. Comments will be available in
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 the AD docket shortly after the DMS
14 CFR Part 39 Blagnac Cedex, France. receives them.
You can examine the contents of this
[Docket No. FAA–2005–21702; Directorate AD docket on the Internet at http:// Discussion
Identifier 2005–NM–024–AD] dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket We have examined the underlying
RIN 2120–AA64 Management Facility, U.S. Department safety issues involved in recent fuel
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street tank explosions on several large
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model SW., room PL–401, on the plaza level of transport airplanes, including the
A330 and A340 Series Airplanes the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. adequacy of existing regulations, the
AGENCY: Federal Aviation This docket number is FAA–2005– service history of airplanes subject to
Administration (FAA), Department of 21702; the directorate identifier for this those regulations, and existing
Transportation (DOT). docket is 2005–NM–024–AD. maintenance practices for fuel tank
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim systems. As a result of those findings,
(NPRM). Backman, Aerospace Engineer, we issued a regulation titled ‘‘Transport
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, Airplane Fuel Tank System Design
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Review, Flammability Reduction and
new airworthiness directive (AD) for Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington Maintenance and Inspection
certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2797; Requirements’’ (67 FR 23086, May 7,
series airplanes. This proposed AD fax (425) 227–1149. 2001). In addition to new airworthiness
would require repetitive borescope SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: standards for transport airplanes and
inspections of the left and right fuel new maintenance requirements, this
tanks of the trimmable horizontal Comments Invited rule included Special Federal Aviation
stabilizers (trim tanks) for detached or We invite you to submit any relevant Regulation No. 88 (‘‘SFAR 88,’’
damaged float valves; related written data, views, or arguments Amendment 21–78, and subsequent
investigative/corrective actions if regarding this proposed AD. Send your Amendments 21–82 and 21–83).
necessary; and the eventual replacement comments to an address listed under Among other actions, SFAR 88
of all float valves in the left and right ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– requires certain type design approval
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