AD 2009-08-02

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all McDonnell Douglas airplanes identified above. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual to provide the flightcrew with procedures to preclude dry running of the fuel pumps. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent pump inlet friction (i.e., overheating or sparking) when the fuel pumps are continually run as the center wing fuel tank becomes empty, and/or electrical arc burnthrough, which could result in a fuel tank fire or explosion.

Final rule.

2009-08-02 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-15875. Docket No. FAA- 2008-1324; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-101-AD. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 13, 2009. \n\nAffected ADs \n\n\t(b) None. \n\nApplicability \n\n\t(c) This AD applies to all McDonnell Douglas airplanes identified in Table 1 of this AD, certificated in any category. \n\n\tTable 1--Applicability\n\n\n\nModel\n(1) DC-8-51, DC-8-52, DC-8-53, and DC-8-55 airplanes. \n(2) DC-8F-54 and DC-8F-55 airplanes. \n(3) DC-8-61, DC-8-62, and DC-8-63 airplanes. \n(4) DC-8-61F, DC-8-62F, and DC-8-63F airplanes. \n(5) DC-8-71, DC-8-72, and DC-8-73 airplanes.\n(6) DC-8-71F, DC-8-72F, and DC-8-73F airplanes. \n\n \nUnsafe Condition \n\n\t(d) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent pump inlet friction (i.e., overheating or sparking) when the fuel pumps are continually run as the center wing fuel tank becomes empty, and/or electrical arc burnthrough, which could result in a fuel tank fire or explosion. \n\nCompliance \n\n\t(e) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\nAirplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision \n\n\t(f) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Certificate Limitations Section of the Boeing DC-8 AFM to include the following procedures that preclude dry running of fuel pumps and/or electrical arc burnthrough (this may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM): \n\n\t"During level flight, the applicable alternate or center wing auxiliary tank boost pump switch must be placed in the OFF position no more than 5 minutes after the auto fill light is continuously illuminated. \n\tDO NOT reset any tripped fuel pump circuit breakers.'' \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\t(g)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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. Send information to ATTN: William Bond, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5253; fax (562) 627-5210. \n\t(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. \n\nMaterial Incorporated by Reference \n\n\t(h) None.

Discussion \n\n\tWe issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-50 series airplanes; Model DC-8F-54 and DC-8F-55 airplanes; Model DC-8-60 series airplanes; Model DC-8-60F series airplanes; Model DC-8-70 series airplanes; and Model DC-8-70F series airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 23, 2008 (73 FR 78678). That NPRM proposed to require revising the airplane flight manual to provide the flightcrew with procedures to preclude dry running of the fuel pumps. \n\nComments \n\n\tWe gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. \n\nConclusion \n\n\tWe reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\tWe estimate that this AD will affect 156 airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work- hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $12,480, or $80 per product. \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\tTitle 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. \n\tWe 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. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\tThis 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. \n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\t(1) Is not a "significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, \n\t(2) Is not a "significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), and \n\t(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. \n\tYou can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of compliance in the AD Docket. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. \n\nAdoption of the Amendment \n\nAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD: