Airworthiness directives: Lockheed,
[Federal Register: July 14, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 134)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 37920-37922]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14jy99-31]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-122-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Model L-1011-385 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Lockheed Model L- 1011-385 series airplanes, that currently requires revision of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to prohibit operation of the fuel boost pumps when fuel quantities are below certain levels, and to add maintenance procedures for operating the airplane with an inoperative fuel boost pump assembly or with an inoperative flight station fuel quantity indicating system. That AD also requires the installation of a placard on the engineer's fuel panel to advise the maintenance crew that operation of the fuel boost pumps when less than 1,200 pounds of fuel are in the corresponding wing fuel tank is prohibited. This action would add a requirement for modification of each fuel boost pump assembly, which would terminate the requirements of the existing AD. This proposal is prompted by reports of internal electrical failures in the fuel boost pump of the wing fuel tanks that could result in either electrical arcing or localized overheating. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent such electrical arcing or overheating, which could breech the protective housing of the fuel boost pump and expose it to fuel vapors and fumes, and consequent potential fire or explosion in the wing fuel tank.
DATES: Comments must be received by August 30, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-122-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 Lockheed Martin Aircraft & Logistics Center, 120 Orion Street, Greenville, South Carolina 29605. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Peters, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Flight Test Branch, ACE-116A, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone (770) 703-6063; fax (770) 703-6097.
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 filedin 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-122-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-122-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
Discussion
On April 16, 1998, the FAA issued AD 98-08-09, amendment 39-10492 (63 FR 20062, April 23, 1998), applicable to certain Lockheed Model L- 1011-385 series airplanes, to require revision of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to prohibit operation of the fuel boost pumps when fuel quantities are below certain levels, and to add new maintenance procedures for operating the airplane with an inoperative fuel boost pump assembly or with an inoperative flight station fuel quantity indicating system. That AD also requires the installation of a placard on the engineer's fuel panel to advise the maintenance crew that operation of the fuel boost pumps when less than 1,200 pounds of fuel are in the corresponding wing fuel tank is prohibited. That action was prompted by reports of internal electrical failures in the fuel boost pump of the wing fuel tanks that could result in either electrical arcing or localized overheating. The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent such electrical arcing or overheating, which could breech the protective housing of the fuel boost pump and expose it to fuel vapors and fumes, and consequent potential fire or explosion in the wing fuel tank.
Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule
In the preamble to AD 98-08-09, the FAA indicated that the actions required by that AD were considered ``interim action'' and that further rulemaking action was being considered. The FAA now has determined that further rulemaking action is indeed necessary, and this proposed AD follows from that determination.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28- 093, Revision 1, dated February 8, 1999, which describes procedures for modification of the fuel boost pump assembly.
[[Page 37921]]
The procedures described in the service bulletin include modification of the fuel boost pump, inspection for discrepancies of the fuel boost pump scroll housing, and replacement, if necessary; inspection of the associated scroll housing electrical connector for damage, and replacement, if necessary; and installation of a modified fuel pump. Following installation of the fuel pump, a functional check is performed to verify proper operation of the fuel boost pump assembly. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin would eliminate the need for the AFM revision and placard required by the existing AD.
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 98-08-09 to continue to require revision of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to prohibit operation of the fuel boost pumps when fuel quantities are below certain levels, and to add maintenance procedures for operating the airplane with an inoperative fuel boost pump assembly or with an inoperative flight station fuel quantity indicating system. This proposal also would continue to require the installation of a placard on the engineer's fuel panel to advise the maintenance crew that operation of the fuel boost pumps when less than 1,200 pounds of fuel are in the corresponding wing fuel tank is prohibited. It would also require installation of a modified fuel boost pump assembly, which would terminate the requirements of the existing AD. The installation would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described previously.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 235 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 117 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD.
The actions that are currently required by AD 98-08-09 take 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 $7,020, or $60 per airplane.
The modification that is proposed in this AD action would take approximately 8 work hours (1 hour per fuel pump assembly) per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $18,880 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the modification proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,265,120, or $19,360 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.
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
-
The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
-
Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-10492 (63 FR 20062, April 23, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), to read as follows:
Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company: Docket 99-NM-122-AD. Supersedes AD 98-08-09, Amendment 39-10492.
Applicability: Model L-1011-385-1, -385-1-14, -385-1-15, and - 385-3 series airplanes, 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 (d) 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 a potential fire or explosion in the wing fuel tank, accomplish the following:
Restatement of Requirements of AD 98-08-09
AFM Revision
(a) Within 50 flight hours or 10 days after April 28, 1998 (the effective date of AD 98-08-09, amendment 39-10492), whichever occurs first, revise the Limitations and Procedures Sections of the FAA- approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following information. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM.
Add to Limitations Section:
``FUEL SYSTEM
Fuel Pumps
Do not operate the fuel boost pumps of the affected wing tank in the air or on the ground when fuel quantities are less than the following:
Wing tanks 1 and 3: Less than 1,200 lbs (545 kg) in each tank.
Wing tanks 2L and 2R: Less than 1,200 lbs (545 kg) total in the two compartments (inboard and outboard) of each tank.
These quantities should be considered unusable fuel for the purposes of fuel management.
When operating with a fuel boost pump assembly inoperative per Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) item number 28-24-01, add the following maintenance procedure:
Pull and collar the affected circuit breaker.
When operating with an inoperative flight station fuel quantity indicating system per MMEL item 28-41-00, do not operate the fuel boost pumps of the affected wing tank in the air or on the ground when fuel quantities are less than the following:
Wing tanks 1 and 3: Less than 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) in the affected tank.
[[Page 37922]]
Wing tanks 2L and 2R: Less than 1,200 lbs (545 kg) total in the two compartments (inboard and outboard) of the affected tank.''
Add to Procedures Section:
``FUEL SYSTEM
Fuel Pumps
If the circuit breaker for any wing tank fuel boost pump (circuit breakers U3, U4, U7, U8, U9, U10, U13, U14) trips, do not reset. If the pump trips while in flight, continue flight in accordance with the procedures in the ``Tank Pumps LOW Lights On'' portion of the Procedures section of the AFM. If the breaker trips while on the ground, do not reset without first identifying the source of the electrical fault.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Fuel Pumps
If the circuit breaker for any wing tank fuel boost pump (circuit breakers U3, U4, U7, U8, U9, U10, U13, U14) trips, do not reset. If the pump trips while in flight, continue flight in accordance with the procedures in the ``Tank Pumps LOW Lights On'' portion of the Procedures section of the AFM. If the breaker trips while on the ground, do not reset without first identifying the source of the electrical fault.''
Placard Installation
(b) Within 50 flight hours or 10 days after April 28, 1998, whichever occurs first, install a placard on the engineer's fuel panel that states:
``If FQIS is operative, do not operate the fuel boost pumps when less than 1,200 pounds of fuel are in the corresponding wing tanks.''
NEW REQUIREMENTS OF THIS AD
Modification
(c) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify each fuel boost pump assembly in accordance with Parts 2.A. through 2.I. inclusive of the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-093, Revision 1, dated February 8, 1999. Accomplishment of this modification terminates the requirements of this AD. Following accomplishment of the modification, the AFM revision may be removed from the AFM, and the placard may be removed.
Note 2: Modification of the fuel boost pump assemblies, prior to the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-093, dated January 15, 1999, is considered acceptable for compliance with paragraph (c) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) 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, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small 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, Atlanta ACO.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta ACO.
Special Flight Permits
(e) 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 July 8, 1999. D. L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-17969Filed7-13-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
