AD 2014-09-09 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Type	Manufacturer	Model	Details
aircraft	The Boeing Company	777-200 Series	Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
aircraft	The Boeing Company	777-200LR Series	Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
aircraft	The Boeing Company	777-300 Series	Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
aircraft	The Boeing Company	777-300ER Series	Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
aircraft	The Boeing Company	777F Series	Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Unsafe Condition

Failure of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, which, in the event of total loss of the fuel boost pumps, could result in dual engine flameout, inability to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of the airplane.

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Required Actions

Revise the maintenance program to incorporate a revision to the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the maintenance planning data (MPD) document. The revised interval specified in Appendix 1 of this AD must be incorporated into the existing maintenance program within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.

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Compliance Time

Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.

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Affected Aircraft

The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes, certificated in any category.

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Federal Register Abstract

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of two in-service occurrences on Model 737-400 airplanes of total loss of boost pump pressure of the fuel feed system, followed by loss of fuel system suction feed capability on one engine, and in-flight shutdown of the engine. This AD requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate a revision to the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the maintenance planning data (MPD) document. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, which, in the event of total loss of the fuel boost pumps, could result in dual engine flameout, inability to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of the airplane.

Applicability Source Text

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(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, 
-300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes, certificated in any 
category.

Document Text

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[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 101 (Tuesday, May 27, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30005-30008]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2014-12093]

=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0618; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-355-AD;
Amendment 39-17844; AD 2014-09-09]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, and 777F series
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of two in-service
occurrences on Model 737-400 airplanes of total loss of boost pump
pressure of the fuel feed system, followed by loss of fuel system
suction feed capability on one engine, and in-flight shutdown of the
engine. This AD requires revising the maintenance program to
incorporate a revision to the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the
maintenance planning data (MPD) document. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct failure of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel
system, which, in the event of total loss of the fuel boost pumps,
could result in dual engine flameout, inability to restart the engines,
and consequent forced landing of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective July 1, 2014.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>. You may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2008-
0618; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, 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: Sue Lucier, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6438; fax: 425-917-6590; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7704020d16191912591b02141e12053711161659101801">[email&#160;protected]</a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

We issued a second supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking
(SNPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all
The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, and 777F series
airplanes. The second SNPRM published in the Federal Register on July
30, 2013 (78 FR 45898). The second SNPRM proposed to add Model 777F
series airplanes to the applicability.
We preceded the second SNPRM with the first SNPRM, which published
in the Federal Register on March 7, 2013 (78 FR 14722). The first SNPRM
proposed to revise the maintenance program to incorporate a revision to
the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the maintenance planning data
(MPD) document.
We preceded the first SNPRM with a notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM) that published in the Federal Register on June 6, 2008 (73 FR
32253). The NPRM was prompted by reports of two in-service occurrences
on Model 737-400 airplanes of total loss of boost pump pressure of the
fuel feed system, followed by loss of fuel system suction feed
capability on one engine, and in-flight shutdown of the engine. The
subject area on Model 777 airplanes is almost identical to that area on
Model 737-400 airplanes; therefore, Model 777 airplanes may be subject
to the unsafe condition revealed on Model 737-400 airplanes. The NPRM
proposed to require performing repetitive operational tests of the
engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, and other related testing
if necessary.
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the engine
fuel suction feed of the fuel system, which, in the event of total loss
of the fuel boost pumps, could result in dual engine flameout,
inability to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of the
airplane.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the second
SNPRM (78 FR 45898, July 30, 2013) and the FAA's response to each
comment. FedEx concurs with the proposed requirements.

Request To Allow the Use of Later Revisions of the Maintenance Planning
Document (MPD)

United Airlines (UAL) asked that we allow using the latest MPD
revision of

[[Page 30006]]

May 2013 for accomplishing the required actions. UAL stated that
paragraph (l) of the second SNPRM (78 FR 45898, July 30, 2013) provides
credit for doing the actions required by paragraph (g) of the second
SNPRM before the effective date of the AD, if the actions were done
using Revision February 2012 of the MPD. UAL suggested that credit for
Revision May 2013 of the MPD also be included in paragraph (l) of the
second SNPRM.
We agree to give credit for the latest revision of Section 9,
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance
Requirements (CMRs), D622W001-9, which is Revision dated June 2013;
provided the revised ``interval'' specified in Appendix 1 of this AD is
incorporated into the existing maintenance program within 90 days after
the effective date of this AD. We have revised paragraph (i) of this AD
accordingly.

Request To Clarify Reason for the Unsafe Condition

Boeing asked that we clarify the reason for the unsafe condition
identified in the second SNPRM (78 FR 45898, July 30, 2013). Boeing
asked that we provide additional clarification that there are no
reports of any in-service events on Model 777 airplanes.
We acknowledge the commenter's concern, but do not find it
necessary to clarify the unsafe condition further. We clarified the
reason for the unsafe condition in the first SNPRM (78 FR 45898, July
30, 2013) per a similar request from Boeing regarding the fact that
there had been no events on Model 777 airplanes. In light of this, we
find that further clarification is not necessary. We have made no
change to the final rule in this regard.

Change to Final Rule

We removed the on-condition costs specified in the ``Costs of
Compliance'' section of this final rule because there are no on-
condition actions.

Conclusion

We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD affects 676 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maintenance Program Revision.... 1 work-hour x $85 $85 per test................ $57,460, per test.
per hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
We are 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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):

2014-09-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17844; Docket No. FAA-
2008-0618; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-355-AD.

(a) Effective Date

This AD is effective July 1, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR,
-300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes, certificated in any
category.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 2800, Aircraft
Fuel System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by reports of two in-service occurrences on
Model 737-400 airplanes of total loss of boost pump pressure of the
fuel feed system, followed by loss of fuel system suction feed
capability on one engine, and in-flight shutdown of the engine. We
are issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the engine fuel
suction feed of the fuel system, which, in the event of total loss
of the fuel boost pumps, could result in dual engine flameout,
inability to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of
the airplane.

(f) Compliance

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.

(g) Maintenance Program Revision

Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the
maintenance program to incorporate the airworthiness limitation

[[Page 30007]]

(AWL) identified in Appendix 1 of this AD, AWL No. 28-AWL-101,
Engine Fuel Suction Feed Operational Test. The initial compliance
time for accomplishing AWL No. 28-AWL-101 is within 7,500 flight
hours or 3 years after the effective date of this AD, whichever is
first.

(h) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and/or Critical Design
Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs)

After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (g) of
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., tests), intervals, or CDCCLs
may be used unless the actions, intervals, or CDCCLs are approved as
an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

(i) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service
Information

This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using AWL No. 28-AWL-101, Engine Fuel
Suction Feed Operational Test, of Section D.2., Engine Suction Fuel
System, of Section 9, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and
Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D622W001-9, Revision
February 2012, or Revision June 2013, of the Boeing 777 Maintenance
Planning Data (MPD) Document, provided the revised ``interval''
specified in Appendix 1 of this AD is incorporated into the existing
maintenance program within 90 days after the effective date of this
AD.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
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 ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the Related Information
section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#af9682eee1e282fccacedbdbc3ca82eeece082eee2e0ec82fdcadedacadcdbdcefc9cece81c8c0d9">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
(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.

(k) Related Information

(1) For more information about this AD, contact Sue Lucier,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6438; fax: 425-
917-6590; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5b282e213a35353e75372e38323e291b3d3a3a753c342d">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
(2) For service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65,
Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax
206-766-5680; Internet <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

None.

Appendix 1 of AD 2014-09-09

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AWL No. Task Interval Applicability Description
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28-AWL-101....................... ALI.................. 7,500 FH or 3 years, ALL.................. Engine Fuel Suction Feed Operational Test.
whichever is first.
An Engine Fuel Suction Feed Operational Test
must be accomplished successfully on each
engine individually. This test is required
in order to protect against engine flameout
during suction feed operations, and must
meet the following requirements (refer to
Boeing AMM 28-22-00):
Fuel Tank Quantity Limitations:
Engine No. 1
a. The Center Tank Fuel Quantity must not
exceed 5,000 lbs (2,270 kg).
b. The Main Tank No. 1 Fuel Quantity must be
between 1,400 lbs-1,600 lbs (600 kg-800
kg).
NOTE: Excess fuel can be transferred to Main
Tank No. 2.
Engine No. 2
a. The Center Tank Fuel Quantity must not
exceed 5,000 lbs (2,270 kg).
b. The Main Tank No. 2 Fuel Quantity must be
between 1,400 lbs-1,600 lbs (600 kg-800
kg).
NOTE: Excess fuel can be transferred to Main
Tank No. 1.
Test Procedural Limitations:
1. The Fuel Cross-Feed Valve must be CLOSED.
2. The APU Selector Switch must be OFF.
3. Idle Engine Warm-up time of minimum two
minutes with Boost Pump ON.
4. Idle Engine Suction Feed (Boost Pump OFF)
operation for a minimum of five minutes.
NOTE: APU may be used to start the engines
provided the Fuel Tank Quantity and Test
Procedural Limitations are met.
The test is considered a success if engine
operation is maintained during the five-
minute period and engine parameters (N1,
N2, and Fuel Flow) do not decay relative to
those observed with Boost Pump ON.
A suction feed system that fails the
operational test must be repaired or
maintained, and successfully pass the
Engine Suction Feed Operational Test prior
to further flight.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 30008]]

Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 18, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-12093 Filed 5-23-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Applicability

Unsafe Condition

Required Actions

Compliance Time

Affected Aircraft

Federal Register Abstract

Applicability Source Text

Document Text

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