[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 125 (Thursday, June 30, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-15474]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: June 30, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-13-AD; Amendment 39-8953; AD 94-14-01]

 

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes 
Equipped With General Electric CF6-80A or Pratt and Whitney JT9D-7R4 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes, that requires 
replacement of the thrust reverser flow restrictor devices with one-way 
(check) valve restrictors. This amendment is prompted by reports of 
piston seal leakage found during actuator overhaul on certain Model 767 
series airplanes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to 
prevent possible deployment of a thrust reverser in flight and 
subsequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective August 1, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 1, 1994.

ADDRESSES: 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 Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of 
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Simonson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 227-2683; fax (206) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 series 
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on March 16, 1994 (59 
FR 12207). That action proposed to require replacement of the thrust 
reverser flow restrictor devices with one-way (check) valve 
restrictors.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the two comments received.
    Both commenters support the proposed rule.
    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
    There are approximately 119 Model 767 series airplanes equipped 
with General Electric CF6-80A engines of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 69 airplanes of U.S. registry 
will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 32 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $55 per work hour. Required parts will be 
supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these 
figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators of Model 767 
series airplanes equipped with General Electric CF6-80A engines is 
estimated to be $121,440, or $1,760 per airplane.
    There are approximately 95 Model 767 series airplanes equipped with 
Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 engines of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 30 airplanes of U.S. registry 
will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 30 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $55 per work hour. Required parts will be 
supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these 
figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators of Model 767 
series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 engines is 
estimated to be $49,500, or $1,650 per airplane.
    Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $170,940.
    The total cost impact figure discussed above is based on 
assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the 
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.
    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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action: (1) Is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    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:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive: 94-14-01 BOEING: Amendment 39-8953. Docket 94-
NM-13-AD.

    Applicability: Model 767 series airplanes equipped with General 
Electric CF6-80A or Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 engines, certificated 
in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously. -
    To prevent possible deployment of a thrust reverser in flight 
and subsequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish 
the following:
    (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the thrust reverser flow restrictor devices with one-way 
(check) valve restrictors in accordance with Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 767-78-0064 (for Model 767 series airplanes equipped with 
General Electric CF6-80A engines) or 767-78-0065 (for Model 767 
series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 engines), 
both dated July 16, 1992, as applicable.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Seattle ACO.

    Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The replacement shall be done in accordance with Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 767-78-0064, dated July 16, 1992, or Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 767-78-0065, dated July 16, 1992, as 
applicable. This incorporation by reference was approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial 
Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. 
Copies may be inspected 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.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on August 1, 1994.
    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 21, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-15474 Filed 6-29-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U