[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 11, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52844-52846]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-24904]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-169-AD; Amendment 39-9390; AD 95-21-05]


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes. This action 
requires an inspection to detect damage of the wire bundles in the left 
side of the flight compartment in the vicinity of the stowage box for 
the captain's oxygen mask, and repair, if necessary; a continuity check 
on repaired wires; installation of sleeving over the wire bundles; and 
rerouting of the wire 

[[Page 52845]]
bundles. This amendment is prompted by reports of chafed wiring and 
minimal clearance between the oxygen connector and the adjacent wire 
bundles in the vicinity of the stowage box for the captain's oxygen 
mask. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent such 
chafing and inadequate clearance, which could result in electrical 
arcing and consequent oxygen leakage in the vicinity of the stowage 
box; these conditions, if not corrected, could result in a fire in the 
flight compartment.

DATES: Effective October 26, 1995.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 26, 1995.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before December 11, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-169-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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Letcher, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; 
telephone (206) 227-2670; fax (206) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received a report indicating 
that a ``MAP RANGE DISAGREE'' message occurred on the left electronic 
horizontal situation indicator (EHSI) of a Boeing Model 767 series 
airplane. Investigation revealed that a wire in the vicinity of the 
stowage box for the captain's oxygen mask was chafed. Other wires were 
exposed and were in contact with the oxygen line fitting. This 
condition could result in a small hole in the oxygen line fitting, 
which may allow oxygen leakage. The FAA also received a report 
indicating that an operator found evidence of wire insulation wear in 
the area where the oxygen line fitting touched the wire bundle on one 
airplane. This operator also reported that three other airplanes had 
minimal clearance between the oxygen connector and the adjacent wire 
bundles. Chafing of the wires on oxygen system components in the 
vicinity of the stowage box for the captain's oxygen mask, if not 
corrected, could result in electrical arcing and leakage of oxygen; 
these conditions could result in a fire in the flight compartment.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
767-35A0028, dated September 7, 1995, which describes procedures for a 
one-time inspection to detect damage of the wire bundles in the left 
side of the flight compartment in the vicinity of the stowage box for 
the captain's oxygen mask and repair, if necessary; a continuity check 
on repaired wires; installation of sleeving over the wire bundles; and 
rerouting of the wire bundles. Accomplishment of these procedures will 
prevent chafing of these wires, which could result in electrical 
arcing, and will also ensure that adequate spacing separates the oxygen 
equipment and adjacent wire bundles.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Boeing Model 767 series airplanes of the same 
type design, this AD is being issued to prevent wire chafing on oxygen 
system components and consequent oxygen leakage in the vicinity of the 
stowage box for the captain's oxygen mask, which could result in a fire 
in the flight compartment. This AD requires a one-time inspection to 
detect damage of the wire bundles in the left side of the flight 
compartment in the vicinity of the stowage box for the captain's oxygen 
mask, and repair, if necessary; a continuity check on repaired wires; 
installation of sleeving over the wire bundles; and rerouting of the 
wire bundles. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance 
with the alert service bulletin described previously.
    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
    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.

Comments Invited

    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 95-NM-169-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 

[[Page 52846]]
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 USC 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

95-21-05  Boeing: Amendment 39-9390. Docket 95-NM-169-AD.

    Applicability: Model 767 series airplanes; line positions 2 
through 589 inclusive except VA801 through VA810 inclusive, VN684 
through VN691 inclusive, and VW701; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority 
provided in paragraph (b) of this AD to request approval from the 
FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current 
configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions 
necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such 
a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent wire chafing and subsequent electrical arcing in the 
vicinity of the stowage box for the captain's oxygen mask, which 
could result in a fire in the flight compartment, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 45 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
to detect damage of the wire bundles in the left side of the flight 
compartment in the vicinity of the stowage box for the captain's 
oxygen mask, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-
35A0028, dated September 7, 1995.
    (1) If no damage is detected, prior to further flight, install 
protective sleeving on the wiring, and reroute the wire bundles, in 
accordance with the alert service bulletin.
    (2) If any damage is detected, prior to further flight, 
accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) 
of this AD.
    (i) Repair the wiring and perform a continuity check on each 
repaired wire, in accordance with the alert service bulletin. And
    (ii) Install protective sleeving on the wiring and reroute the 
wire bundles, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
    (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 2: 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 actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 767-35A0028, dated September 7, 1995. 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 October 26, 1995.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 2, 1995.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-24904 Filed 10-10-95; 8:45 am]
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