On November 26, 1997, the FAA issued AD 97-25-06, amendment 39-10230 (62 FR 63622, December 1, 1997), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes. (A correction of the rule was published in the Federal Register on January 2, 1998 (63 FR 4).) That action requires disconnection of the electrical connector to the scavenge pump of the center wing tank; a one-time inspection to identify the part number of the electrical connector; and replacement of the pump with a new or serviceable pump, if necessary. That action was prompted by findings from a design review and analysis of scavenge pumps installed on certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes that was undertaken as part of an accident investigation. The actions required by that AD are intended to prevent potential failures within the electrical motor assembly of the scavenge pump, which 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. \n\nActions Since Issuance of Previous Rule \n\n\tSince the issuance of that AD, the FAA has received a report of damage to the internal wiring of a scavenge pump; the connector of that scavenge pump had been replaced with a Lear Romec- supplied connector, in accordance with the requirements of the existing AD. The damage to the wiring has been attributed to that replacement connector's longer backshell, which provides insufficient clearance for the attachment screw of the internal ground wire of the scavenge pump motor, and can cause interference between the screw and the connector. Such wiring damage, if not corrected, could cause short circuiting and failures within the electrical motor assembly; 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, and consequent fuel fire in the wheel well. \n\nExplanation of Relevant Service Information \n\n\tAs a result of this recent finding, Boeing has issued Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2215, dated May 14, 1998, which describes procedures for a one-time inspection to identify the part number for the installed scavenge pump motor-impeller unit; and corrective action, if necessary. The alert service bulletin provides operators a choice of three corrective actions. First, operators may replace the scavenge pump with a different model scavenge pump. Second, operators may replace the scavenge pump with a scavenge pump that has been modified in accordance with Lear Romec Service Bulletin RR24680 28-002, dated May 4, 1998. (Lear Romec is the manufacturer of the subject scavenge pump.) This modification involves removal of the connector ground jumper lead wire and its attachment screw. Accomplishment of the modification will provide additional room for, and will prevent short circuit damage to, the wiresinside the scavenge pump motor. Third, operators may deactivate the scavenge pump. The FAA has reviewed and approved the Boeing and Lear Romec service bulletins. \n\nExplanation of Requirements of Rule \n\n\tSince an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of this same type design, this AD supersedes AD 97-25-06 to require a one-time inspection to identify the part number for the installed scavenge pump motor-impeller unit; and corrective action, if necessary. \n\nDifferences Between this AD and the Relevant Service Information \n\n\tThis AD differs from Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2215, dated May 14, 1998. The alert service bulletin specifies that the scavenge pump may be replaced with a scavenge pump having "a different part number." However, this AD specifically requires that the replacement scavenge pump be either a scavenge pump having part number 60B92403-12, -13, or -18 (Intertechnique); or a scavenge pump that has been modified in accordance with Lear Romec Service Bulletin RR24680 28-002, dated May 4, 1998. \n\n\tAlso, the Boeing alert service bulletin specifies that a modified pump may be reidentified as having one of two given part numbers. However, this AD requires that the pump modified in accordance with Lear Romec Service Bulletin RR24680 28-002 be reidentified as Boeing P/N 60B92403-51. \n\nDetermination of Rule's Effective Date \n\n\tSince 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. \n\nComments Invited \n\n\tAlthough 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. \n\n\tComments 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 filedin the Rules Docket. \n\n\tCommenters 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 98-NM-145-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter. \n\nRegulatory Impact \n\n\tThe 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. \n\n\tThe 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." \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by Reference, Safety. \n\nAdoption of the Amendment \n\n\tAccordingly, 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:\n\n PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n\t1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority:49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 (Amended) \n\t2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-10230 (63 FR 4, January 2, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-10650, to read as follows: