2021-06-10: Fuel

Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: \n\n2021-06-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21477; Docket No. FAA- 2020-0785; Product Identifier 2020-NM-063-AD. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 28, 2021. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to all The Boeing Company airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD. \n\t(1) Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, -300, -400, -400D, -400F, 747SR, 747SP, -8F, and -8 series airplanes. \n\t(2) Model 767-200, -300, -300F, -400ER, and -2C series airplanes. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tAir Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel. \n\n(e) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by a report of an un-commanded fuel transfer between the main and center fuel tanks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address multiple refuel valves failed in the ''open'' position via Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) dispatch allowance, which allows un-commanded fuel transfer between fuel tanks. This condition could result in a fuel exhaustion event. \n\n(f) Compliance \n\n\n\tComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) Conditions for Prohibited Operation \n\n\n\tNo later than 60 days after the effective date of this AD: Operation of an airplane with any inoperative refuel valve (fueling shut-off valve) of the reserve tank (on Model 747 series airplanes only), main tank, or center tank that has failed in the open position is prohibited. \n\n(h) Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Items \n\n\n\tThe MMEL items specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (5) of this AD are affected by this prohibition and therefore may affect the operator's FAA-approved MEL. \n\t(1) For Model 747-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes: The following ''Pressure Fueling System'' items. \n\t(i) MMEL Item 28-20 2), ''Main Tank 1 and 4 Refueling Valves.'' \n\t(ii) MMEL Item 28-20 3), ''Main Tank 2 and 3 Refueling Valves.'' \n\t(iii) MMEL Item 28-20 4), ''Center Tank Refueling Valves.'' \n\t(iv) MMEL Item 28-20 5), ''Reserve Tank 1 and 4 Refueling Valves.'' \n\t(v) MMEL Item 28-20 6), ''Reserve Tank 2 and 3 Refueling Valves.'' \n\t(2) For Model 747-400LCF series airplanes: MMEL Item 28-21-1 1), ''Refuel Valves,'' second dispatch case with refueling valves inoperative open. \n\t(3) For Model 747-400 series airplanes: MMEL Item 28-21-1 1), ''Refuel Valves,'' first dispatch case with refueling valves inoperative open. \n\t(4) For Model 747-8 series airplanes: The following ''Refuel Valves'' items. \n\t(i) MMEL Item 28-21-01-01-01A, ''Refuel Valves.'' \n\t(ii) MMEL Item 28-21-01-02-01A, ''Refuel Valves.'' \n\t(5) For Model 767 series airplanes (except Model 767-2C airplanes, for which there is no published MMEL): MMEL Item 28-21- 01-01B, ''Fuel Shutoff Valves.'' \n\tNote 1 to paragraph (h): The MMEL items specified in paragraph (h) of this AD can be found in the applicable FAA-approved MMEL: Boeing 747 B-747-100/200/300/SP SERIES MMEL, Revision 35, dated April 25, 2014; Boeing 747 B-747-400 LCF MMEL, Revision 3, November 7, 2014; Boeing 747 B-747-400, B-747-400D, B-747-400F MMEL, Revision 32, dated December 27, 2018; Boeing 747-8 MMEL, Revision 7, dated August 25, 2017; and Boeing 767 MMEL, Revision 39, dated October 26, 2018; which can be found on the Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS) website, https://fsims.faa.gov/PICResults.aspx?mode=Publication&doctype=MMELByModel. \n\n(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(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 local Flight Standards District 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 (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. \n\t(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. \n\t(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. \n\n(j) Related Information \n\n\n\tFor more information about this AD, contact Douglas Mansell, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98190; phone and fax: 206-231- 3875; email: [email protected]. \n\n(k) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n\n\tIssued on March 12, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (FR Doc. 2021-06023 Filed 3-23-21; 8:45 am) BILLING CODE 4910-13-P