AD 97-25-06

Effective December 16, 1997.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 16, 1997.

Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before January 30, 1998.

Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-271-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056.

The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Chris Hartonas, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S; or G. Michael Collins, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S; FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2864 or (425) 227-2689; fax (425) 227-1181.

On July 17, 1996, a Boeing Model 747 series airplane was involved in an accident shortly after takeoff from John F. Kennedy International Airport in Jamaica, New York. The National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) has not yet determined the cause of that accident. In support of the subsequent accident investigation, the FAA recently conducted an engineering design review and analysis on certain Lear Romec scavenge pumps. Results of inspections on scavenge pumps removed from the center wing fuel tank of older Boeing Model 747 series airplanes indicated degradation of certain silicone insulating grommet material in electrical connectors of the pump due to the incompatibility of this material with fuel.

Damage to the electrical connector, which is part of the electrical motor assembly of the scavenge pump, could cause potential failures within the electrical motor assembly of the scavenge pump. Such failures could result in leakage of fuel from the electrical connector into the main landing gear wheel well, or electrical arcing within the scavenge pump motor. These conditions could result in a fuel fire in the wheel well.

The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2206, dated September 25, 1997, which describes procedures for disconnection of the electrical connector to the scavenge pump of the center wing tank. The alert service bulletin also describes procedures for a one-time inspection to identify the part number of the electrical connector; and replacement of the pump with a new pump, if necessary.

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other Boeing Model 747 series airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent potential failures within the electrical motor assembly of the scavenge pump, which could result in a fuel fire in the wheel well. This AD requires disconnection of the electrical connector to the scavenge pump of the center wing tank. This AD also requires a one-time inspection to identify the part number of the electrical connector; and replacement of the pump with a new pump, if necessary. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the alert service bulletin described previously.

Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ``ADDRESSES.'' All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the 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 that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 97-NM-271-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

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

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:

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.