[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 71 (Monday, April 13, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20408-20411]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-07645]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0859; Product Identifier 2019-NM-114-AD; Amendment
39-19893; AD 2020-07-14]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-
200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR,
and 747SP series airplanes. This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews
conducted by the manufacturer indicating that the existing bond path
design provides insufficient bond resistance margin between the fuel
pump motor/impeller and structure. This AD requires replacement of the
bonding jumpers on the auxiliary power unit (APU) fuel pump. This AD
also requires, for certain airplanes, installation of a second bonding
jumper; an inspection of the override/jettison fuel pumps and transfer/
jettison fuel pumps to determine if the bonding jumper has a one-piece
braid or two-piece braid and replacement of the bonding jumper if
necessary; and replacement of the bonding jumper on the electrical
scavenge fuel pump. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 18, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 18,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0859.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0859; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Rothman, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3558; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing
Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-
200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 8,
2019 (84 FR 60351). The NPRM was prompted by fuel system reviews
conducted by the manufacturer indicating that the existing bond path
design provides insufficient bond resistance margin between the fuel
pump motor/impeller and structure. The NPRM proposed to require
replacement of the bonding jumpers on the APU fuel pump. The NPRM also
proposed to require, for certain airplanes, installation of a second
bonding jumper; an inspection of the override/jettison fuel pumps and
transfer/jettison fuel pumps to determine if the bonding jumper has a
one-piece braid or two-piece braid and replacement of the bonding
jumper if necessary; and replacement of the bonding jumper on the
electrical scavenge fuel pump.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
[[Page 20409]]
Support for the NPRM
The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and Boeing
indicated support for the NPRM. An anonymous commenter also indicated
support for the NPRM. Two other commenters, Patrick Imperatrice and
Gaganjyot Arora, stated that they supported the NPRM.
Request To Clarify Requirements for Certain Airplanes
Lufthansa Technik AG on behalf of Lufthansa German Airlines
requested that the FAA add a note to the proposed AD to clarify the
requirements for airplanes on which BMS 10-20 was not used while
accomplishing Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2228, dated November 4,
1999 (Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2228, Revision 1, dated September
27, 2001, is referred to as the appropriate source of service
information for accomplishing the proposed actions.). Lufthansa Technik
AG asked that the FAA consider whether an airplane on which Boeing
Service Bulletin 747-28-2228, dated November 4, 1999, was accomplished
without using BMS 10-20 is in compliance with the proposed AD.
The FAA agrees to clarify the requirements. Boeing Service Bulletin
747-28-2228, Revision 1, dated September 27, 2001, specifies it is
necessary to rebond the bonding jumper if BMS 10-20 was applied on the
mating surfaces between the bonding jumper and rear spar while
accomplishing Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2228, dated November 4,
1999. However, Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2228, dated November 4,
1999, specifies limits to the bonding resistance values between the
pump housing and rear spar structure. Complying with those bonding
resistance values is required to address the unsafe condition,
regardless of whether or not BMS 10-20 was applied. These bonding
resistance limits were unchanged between Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
28-2228, dated November 4, 1999, and Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-
2228, Revision 1, dated September 27, 2001. Therefore, credit can be
given if it can be conclusively determined that all bonding resistance
limits specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2228, Revision 1,
dated September 27, 2001, have been met. The FAA has added paragraph
(i) to this AD to provide this credit and reidentified subsequent
paragraphs accordingly.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule with the changes described previously
and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor
changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final
rule.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2228, Revision 1,
dated September 27, 2001. This service information describes procedures
for a replacement of the bonding jumpers on the APU fuel pump; an
inspection of the six override/jettison fuel pumps and of the two
transfer/jettison fuel pumps to determine if the bonding jumper has a
one-piece braid or two-piece braid, and replacement of the existing
bonding jumper if the bonding jumper has a one-piece braid;
installation of a second bonding jumper; and replacement of the bonding
jumper on the electrical scavenge fuel pump. 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.
Other Relevant Rulemaking
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2228, Revision 1, dated September
27, 2001, identifies ``Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2033'' as a
concurrent requirement for certain airplanes. Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-28A2033, Revision 1, dated December 18, 2003, is the
appropriate source of service information for accomplishing the
installation required by AD 2005-01-07, Amendment 39-13931 (70 FR 1336,
January 7, 2005) (``AD 2005-01-07''). The compliance time for
accomplishing the installation required by AD 2005-01-07 has already
passed; therefore, it is not necessary to include Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-28A2033 as a concurrent requirement in this AD. The FAA
issued AD 2005-01-07 to ensure adequate electrical bonding between the
housing of each fuel pump and airplane structure outside the fuel
tanks. Inadequate electrical bonding, in the event of a lightning
strike or fuel pump electrical fault, could cause electrical arcing and
ignition of fuel vapor in the wing fuel tank, which could result in a
fuel tank explosion.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 74 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Replacement, Installation, and Up to 15 work- Up to $2,000...... Up to $3,275...... Up to $242,350.
Inspection. hours x $85 per
hour = Up to
$1,275.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
proposed inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replacement.......................... Up to 6 work-hours x Up to $950............. Up to $1,460.
$85 per hour = Up to
$510.
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[[Page 20410]]
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.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2020-07-14 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19893; Docket No. FAA-
2019-0859; Product Identifier 2019-NM-114-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective May 18, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B,
747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-
400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, certificated in
any category, line numbers (L/Ns) 1 through 1229 inclusive.
(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 indicating that the existing bond path design provides
insufficient bond resistance margin between the fuel pump motor/
impeller and structure. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
insufficient bond resistance margin between the fuel pump motor/
impeller and structure. In the event of a fuel pump electrical
fault, this condition might cause arcs at the existing fuel pump/
tank interfaces and an ignition of fuel vapor in the wing fuel tank,
which 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) Definitions
The definitions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) of
this AD apply.
(1) Group 1 airplanes: L/Ns 1 through 167 inclusive.
(2) Group 2 airplanes: L/Ns 168 through 971 inclusive.
(3) Group 3 airplanes: L/Ns 972 through 1161 inclusive.
(4) Group 4 airplanes: L/Ns 1162 through 1229 inclusive.
(h) Replacement, Installation, and Inspection
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, do the
applicable actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (4) of
this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2228, Revision 1, dated September 27,
2001.
(1) For Groups 1, 2, and 3 airplanes: Do the actions specified
in paragraphs (h)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
(i) Do a general visual inspection of the six override/jettison
fuel pumps to determine if the bonding jumper has a one-piece braid
or two-piece braid. If the bonding jumper has a one-piece braid,
within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the
existing bonding jumper.
(ii) Install a second bonding jumper.
(2) For Groups 1, 2, and 3 airplanes with horizontal stabilizer
fuel tanks: Do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and
(ii) of this AD.
(i) Do a general visual inspection of the two transfer/jettison
fuel pumps to determine if the bonding jumper has a one-piece braid
or a two-piece braid. If the bonding jumper has a one-piece braid,
within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the
existing bonding jumper.
(ii) Install a second bonding jumper.
(3) For all airplanes: Replace the bonding jumpers on the
auxiliary power unit (APU) fuel pump.
(4) For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes: Replace the bonding jumper on
the electrical scavenge fuel pump.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2228,
dated November 4, 1999, provided it can conclusively be determined
that all bonding resistance values specified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-28-2228, Revision 1, dated September 27, 2001, have
been met.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(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 Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
ACO Branch, FAA, 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.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Jeffrey Rothman,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-
3558; email: [email protected].
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this
[[Page 20411]]
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2228, Revision 1, dated
September 27, 2001.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on April 3, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-07645 Filed 4-10-20; 8:45 am]
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