AD 2004-20-16

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 197 (Wednesday, October 13, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60807-60809]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 04-22563]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-286-AD; Amendment 39-13821; AD 2004-20-16]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-200B, -200C, -200F, -
300, -400, -400D, and -400F Series Airplanes; and Model 747SP Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-200B, -200C, -200F, -300, -400, 
-400D, and -400F series airplanes; and Model 747SP series airplanes, 
that requires repetitive functional tests of the auxiliary power unit 
(APU) and engine fire shutoff switches and repetitive replacements of 
the APU and engine fire shutoff switches. The AD also provides an 
optional terminating action for the repetitive functional tests and 
replacements. This action is necessary to prevent mineral build-up on 
the APU and engine fire shutoff switches, which could lead to failure 
of the switches to discharge fire suppressant in the affected area and 
could result in an uncontrolled fire that could spread to the strut, 
wing, or aft body of the airplane. This action is intended to address 
the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective November 17, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 17, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: 
<a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html</a>.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sulmo Mariano, Aerospace Engineer,

[[Page 60808]]

Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone 
(425) 917-6501; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-200B, -
200C, -200F, -300, -400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes; and Model 
747SP series airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on June 
23, 2004 (69 FR 34971). That action proposed to require repetitive 
functional tests of the auxiliary power unit (APU) and engine fire 
shutoff switches and repetitive replacements of the APU and engine fire 
shutoff switches. That action also proposed to provide an optional 
terminating action for the repetitive functional tests and 
replacements.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Clarification of Summary Language

    Since the proposed AD was published we noticed that in the Summary 
of the proposed AD we referred to ``inspections'' instead of 
``functional tests.'' We have corrected the Summary of this AD.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 316 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. We estimate that 50 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work 
hour. Table 1 provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply 
with this AD.

                                            Table 1.--Estimated Costs
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                Action                           Work hours             Cost per airplane        Total cost
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Inspection and Functional Test (per    10-14 (depending on airplane               $650-910        $32,500-45,500
 test cycle).                           model).
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    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2004-20-16 Boeing: Amendment 39-13821. Docket 2002-NM-286-AD.

    Applicability: Model 747-200B, -200C, -200F, -300, -400, -400D, 
and -400F series airplanes; and Model 747SP series airplanes; as 
listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-26A2274, Revision 1, 
dated January 9, 2003; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent mineral build-up on the auxiliary power unit (APU) 
and engine fire shutoff switches, which could lead to failure of the 
switches to discharge fire suppressant in the affected area and 
could result in an uncontrolled fire that could spread to the strut, 
wing, or aft body of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Service Bulletin Reference

    (a) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
26A2274, Revision 1, dated January 9, 2003.

Initial and Repetitive Functional Test

    (b) At the later of the compliance times specified in paragraphs 
(b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD, perform a functional test of the APU 
and engine fire shutoff switches, in accordance with the service 
bulletin. Repeat the functional test thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 18 months.
    (1) Within 18 months since the date of issuance of the original 
Airworthiness Certificate or the original Export Certificate of 
Airworthiness.
    (2) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.

Fire Shutoff Switch Failure

    (c) If any fire shutoff switch fails during any functional test 
required by paragraph (b) or (f) of this AD, before further flight, 
replace the switch with a new or serviceable switch, in accordance 
with the service bulletin. Repeat the switch replacement thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 36 months.

Replacement

    (d) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace all APU and engine fire shutoff switches that have not been 
previously replaced per paragraph (c) of this AD with new or 
serviceable switches, in accordance with the service bulletin. 
Repeat the switch replacement thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
36 months.

Deactivation of Lucas Humidifier

    (e) Operators may terminate the repetitive requirements of 
paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this AD by accomplishing the actions 
in

[[Page 60809]]

paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this AD, except as provided by 
paragraph (f) of this AD.
    (1) Deactivate the Lucas humidifier, part number (P/N) 
M01AA0101, M01AB0101, M01AB0102, or M01AB0103, in accordance with 
the service bulletin.
    (2) Before further flight following the deactivation specified 
in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, replace all APU and engine fire 
shutoff switches with new or serviceable switches in accordance with 
the service bulletin.

Reactivation of Lucas Humidifier

    (f) For any airplanes on which Lucas humidifier, P/N M01AA0101, 
M01AB0101, M01AB0102, or M01AB0103 is reactivated after the 
effective date of this AD: Do the requirements of paragraphs (f)(1) 
and (f)(2) of this AD at the times specified in those paragraphs.
    (1) Within 18 months after reactivating the humidifier, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 18 months, do the functional 
test required by paragraph (b) of this AD.
    (2) Within 36 months after reactivating the humidifier, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 36 months, replace all APU and 
engine fire shutoff switches that have not been previously replaced 
per paragraph (c) of this AD. Do the replacements per paragraph (d) 
of this AD.

Actions Accomplished Per Previous Issue of Service Bulletin

    (g) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, actions accomplished 
before the effective date of this AD per Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-26A2274, dated August 29, 2002, are considered 
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action specified in 
this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (h) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve 
alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (i) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-26A2274, Revision 1, dated January 9, 2003. 
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. 
Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at 
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html">http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html</a>.

Effective Date

    (j) This amendment becomes effective on November 17, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 30, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-22563 Filed 10-12-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P