Rule2022-28386
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
December 29, 2022
Effective
January 13, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-8 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of wear-through of the motor impeller inlet adapter of a transfer pump for the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank caused by contact between the pump inlet check valve and the inlet adapter. This AD requires inspecting for wear of the motor impeller inlet check valves and inlet adapters of the transfer pumps for the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank and doing corrective actions, if necessary. This AD also limits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 249 (Thursday, December 29, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 249 (Thursday, December 29, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 80028-80031]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-28386]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1657; Project Identifier AD-2022-01475-T;
Amendment 39-22292; AD 2022-27-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-8 series airplanes.
This AD was prompted by reports of wear-through of the motor impeller
inlet adapter of a transfer pump for the horizontal stabilizer fuel
tank caused by contact between the pump inlet check valve and the inlet
adapter. This AD requires inspecting for wear of the motor impeller
inlet check valves and inlet adapters of the transfer pumps for the
horizontal stabilizer fuel tank and doing corrective actions, if
necessary. This AD also limits the installation of affected parts. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 13, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 13,
2023.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by February 13, 2023.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1657; 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, any
comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> 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; website <a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">myboeingfleet.com</a>.
<bullet> You may view this referenced service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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 at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1657.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Samuel Dorsey, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3415; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ddeece0f8e8e1a3e7a3e9e2fffee8f4cdebececa3eae2fb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e0b3818d95858cce8ace848f92938599a0868181ce878f96">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include Docket No. FAA-2022-1657 and Project Identifier AD-
2022-01475-T at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this final rule because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this final rule.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Samuel
Dorsey, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-
3415; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4a192b273f2f266420642e2538392f330a2c2b2b642d253c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cd9eaca0b8a8a1e3a7e3a9a2bfbea8b48dabacace3aaa2bb">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA
receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA has received reports indicating wear-through of the motor
impeller inlet adapter of the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank transfer
pumps (also referred to as a transfer/jettison pump or override/
jettison pump). These reports were received following troubleshooting
of fuel imbalance issues involving the main wing fuel tanks, which
utilize the same pump design as the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank.
Boeing investigations have found two pumps with wear sufficient to
allow contact between the motor impeller inlet check valve flapper and
the pump inducer. An additional 22 worn pumps have been identified.
Investigations have shown that oscillations within the fuel flow around
the pumps can cause the inlet check valve to vibrate as it is held
spring-loaded against the inlet adapter of the pump. Undetected or
unmitigated wear could allow the flapper of the inlet check valve to
contact the rotating motor inducer, creating steel-on-steel contact.
There is a period of operation during each flight with a fueled
horizontal stabilizer fuel tank where the pump will run dry for a short
period before the flightcrew is alerted to shut it down, or the pump is
automatically shut off. During this dry run period, if the wear on the
inlet adapter is severe enough, the steel-on-steel contact can cause a
source of heat and/or sparking within the fuel tank. This condition, in
combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank
explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the
unsafe
[[Page 80029]]
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other
products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Multiple Operator Message MOM-MOM-22-0549-
01B(R1), dated November 29, 2022. This service information specifies
procedures for one-time detailed visual inspections for wear (hinge pin
protrusion, gouging, missing material, corrosion, burrs, and raised
material) of the motor impeller inlet adapters and inlet check valves
of the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank transfer pumps. This service
information also specifies replacing certain inlet check valves and
inlet adapters with serviceable parts and reporting inspection results
to Boeing. 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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information already described. This AD also limits the installation of
affected parts.
Interim Action
This AD is considered to be interim action. The inspection reports
that are required by this AD will enable the manufacturer to obtain
better insight into the nature, cause, and extent of the wear-through,
and eventually to develop final action to address the unsafe condition.
Further, the main and center wing tanks utilize the same pump design
but are currently not subject to the same unsafe condition due to the
shutoff logic of the transfer pumps. However, if that should change or
once final action has been identified, the FAA might consider further
rulemaking.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because wear-through of the motor impeller inlet adapter of a transfer
pump for the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank may allow the pump's inlet
check valve to contact the rotating pump inducer. During the 15-second
dry run period experienced every flight with a fueled horizontal
stabilizer tank, the steel-on-steel contact can cause a source of heat
and/or sparking (an ignition source) within the fuel tank. This contact
in combination with flammable fuel vapors, if not addressed, could
result in an explosion in the fuel tank and consequent loss of the
airplane. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment
are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days,
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and
comment.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment,
RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 28 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspections of motor impeller inlet 12 work-hours x $85 per $0 $1,020 $28,560
adapter and inlet check valve (left hour = $1,020.
and right transfer pumps).
Reporting............................. 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 85 2,380
hour = $85.
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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
inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace motor impeller inlet adapter.......... 4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,000 $1,340
$340.
Replace motor impeller inlet check valve...... 17 work-hours x $85 per hour = * 20,000 21,445
$1,445.
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* Boeing has indicated that the motor impeller inlet check valve is not currently available as a standalone
part; this cost is for the pump housing, which contains the motor impeller inlet check valve. Boeing has
indicated that it is working with the part supplier to make the motor impeller inlet check valve available as
a standalone part.
[[Page 80030]]
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All responses to this collection of information are
mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other
aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden to: Information Collection Clearance Officer,
Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177-1524.
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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
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:
2022-27-07 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22292; Docket No. FAA-
2022-1657; Project Identifier AD-2022-01475-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 13, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-8
series airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with an
activated horizontal stabilizer fuel tank.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of wear-through of the motor
impeller inlet adapter of the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank
transfer pump caused by contact between the motor impeller inlet
check valve and the inlet adapter. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the development of an ignition source within the horizontal
stabilizer fuel tank resulting from wear to the motor impeller inlet
check valves and inlet adapters of the horizontal stabilizer fuel
tank transfer pumps. This condition, in combination with flammable
fuel vapors, 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
(1) A ``serviceable'' inlet adapter is an inlet adapter of the
motor impeller assembly for which any missing material does not
exceed 0.20 inch in the pump axial direction.
(2) A ``serviceable'' inlet check valve is an inlet check valve
for which the hinge pin protrudes past the flapper arm on both sides
and there is no metal disk gouging, missing material, corrosion,
burrs, or raised material. Minor surface scratches, defects, or
appearances of surface wear are acceptable.
(3) A horizontal stabilizer tank is considered to be
``activated'' if it is not deactivated by an approved alteration.
(h) Inspection and Corrective Action: Inlet Check Valve
Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Do a
detailed visual inspection of the inlet check valve in the left and
right transfer pump housing for hinge pin protrusion, gouging,
missing material, corrosion, burrs, and raised material, in
accordance with paragraph C., Work Instructions, Attachment A,
Boeing Multiple Operator Message MOM-MOM-22-0549-01B(R1), dated
November 29, 2022.
(1) Condition 1: If the hinge pin does not protrude past the
flapper arm on one side, or if any gouging, missing material,
corrosion, burrs, or raised material is found on the inlet check
valve, do the actions required by paragraphs (h)(1)(i) and (ii) of
this AD.
(i) Report inspection findings in accordance with paragraph (j)
of this AD.
(ii) Prior to further flight, replace the inlet check valve or
transfer pump housing with a serviceable inlet check valve or
transfer pump housing containing a serviceable inlet check valve, in
accordance with paragraph C., Work Instructions, Attachment A,
Boeing Multiple Operator Message MOM-MOM-22-0549-01B(R1), dated
November 29, 2022.
(2) Condition 2: If the hinge pin does protrude past the flapper
arm on both sides, and no gouging, missing material, corrosion,
burrs, or raised material is found, report inspection findings in
accordance with paragraph (j) of this AD.
(i) Inspection and Corrective Action: Transfer Pump Motor Impeller
Inlet Adapter
Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Do a
detailed visual inspection of the transfer pump motor impeller inlet
adapter for wear (missing material), in accordance with paragraph
D., Work Instructions, Attachment A, Boeing Multiple Operator
Message MOM-MOM-22-0549-01B(R1), dated November 29, 2022.
(1) Condition 1: If any wear is found that is 0.20 inch or less,
report inspection findings in accordance with paragraph (j) of this
AD.
(2) Condition 2: If any wear is found that is greater than 0.20
inch, do the actions required by paragraphs (i)(2)(i) and (ii) of
this AD.
(i) Report inspection findings in accordance with paragraph (j)
of this AD.
(ii) Before further flight, replace the transfer pump motor
impeller with a transfer pump motor impeller having a serviceable
inlet adapter, in accordance with paragraph D., Work Instructions,
Attachment A, Boeing
[[Page 80031]]
Multiple Operator Message MOM-MOM-22-0549-01B(R1), dated November
29, 2022.
(j) Reporting Inspection Results
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (2) of
this AD, submit a report of all findings of the inspections required
by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, in accordance with paragraph
G. and Appendix A, Attachment A, Boeing Multiple Operator Message
MOM-MOM-22-0549-01B(R1), dated November 29, 2022.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
(k) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on
any airplane, any transfer pump motor impeller inlet adapter or
inlet check valve (or assembly containing either) for the horizontal
stabilizer fuel tank, unless the affected part has been inspected as
specified in paragraph (h) or (i) of this AD, as applicable, and
been determined to be a serviceable part as defined in paragraph
(g)(1) or (2) of this AD.
(l) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Multiple Operator
Message MOM-MOM-22-0549-01B, dated November 21, 2022.
(m) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the
actions required by this AD can be performed, provided the
horizontal stabilizer fuel tank is defueled and both transfer pump
circuit breakers are locked in the ``open'' position.
(n) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 (o)(1) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#97aebad6d9dabac4f2f6e3e3fbf2bad6d4d8bad6dad8d4bac5f2e6e2f2e4e3e4d7f1f6f6b9f0f8e1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="744d59353a3959271115000018115935373b5935393b37592611050111070007341215155a131b02">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards 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.
(o) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Samuel Dorsey,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3415;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b1e2d0dcc4d4dd9fdb9fd5dec3c2d4c8f1d7d0d09fd6dec7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="540735392131387a3e7a303b2627312d143235357a333b22">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (p)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(p) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this 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 Multiple Operator Message MOM-MOM-22-0549-01B(R1),
dated November 29, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Boeing 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; website <a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">myboeingfleet.com</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7f190d5116110c0f1a1c0b1610113f111e0d1e51181009"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ef899dc186819c9f8a8c9b868081af818e9d8ec1888099">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on December 21, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-28386 Filed 12-23-22; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.