[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 178 (Thursday, September 13, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47573-47575]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-22671]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-265-AD; Amendment 39-12438; AD 2001-18-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200, -300, -300F and -
400ER 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 767-200, -300, -300F and -400ER 
series airplanes. This action requires repetitive inspections to find 
discrepancies of the wire bundles located between the P50 panel and the 
nose wheel well structure, and corrective actions, if necessary. This 
action is necessary to find and fix such discrepancies, which could 
result in electrical arcing, smoke, or fire in the cabin, and failure 
of certain systems essential to safe flight and landing of the 
airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective September 28, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 28, 2001.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before November 13, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-265-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2001-NM-265-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    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: Tony Castillos, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 227-2864; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received a report indicating 
that, during the approach to landing of a Boeing Model 767-200 series 
airplane, the flight crew received several Engine Indication and Crew 
Alerting System warning messages, and circuit breakers popped, 
resulting in a burnt smell and smoke in the cabin area. Investigation 
revealed that the W451 wire bundle located in the Electronic Equipment 
Center, just forward of the P51 panel, had caught fire and burned at 
station 266, right buttock line 35. The fire was due to a #2-gage power 
output wire of the transformer rectifier unit that had chafed against 
the right aft corner of the nose landing gear box, which caused a short 
in the wire. The fire resulted in damage to multiple wire bundles, and 
significant damage to more than 200 wires. Subsequent inspections done 
on certain Boeing Model 767-300, -300F and -400ER series airplanes 
revealed a potential chafing condition of similar wiring against the 
nose wheel well structure was likely to develop. Such chafing was found 
on one airplane in that group of inspected airplanes. These conditions, 
if not corrected, could result in electrical arcing, smoke, or fire in 
the cabin, and failure of certain systems essential to safe flight and 
landing of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 
767-24A0140 (for 767-400ER series airplanes), and 767-24A0139 (for 
Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes), both dated February 
9, 2001. The service bulletins describe procedures for repetitive 
inspections for discrepancies of the wire bundles located between the 
P50 panel and the nose wheel well structure (i.e., chafed or broken 
wires, damaged insulation or conductors, inadequate clearance between 
the wire bundle, insulation, and nose wheel well structure), and 
corrective actions, if necessary. The corrective actions include, but 
are not limited to, the following:
     Repair or replacement of any damaged wires or worn 
components
     Installation of protective sleeving over the wire bundles
     Relocation of the wire bundle to provide adequate 
clearance if less than 0.25 inch exists between the wire bundle, 
insulation, and nose wheel well structure
     A system test for any wire that is replaced or spliced to 
repair damage

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Model 767-200, -300, -300F and -400ER series 
airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being issued to find and 
fix discrepancies (i.e., chafed or broken wires, damaged insulation or 
conductors, inadequate clearance between the wire bundle, insulation, 
and nose wheel well structure) of the wire bundles located between the 
P50 panel and the nose wheel structure, which could result in 
electrical arcing, smoke, or fire in the cabin, and failure of certain 
systems essential to safe flight and landing of the airplane. The 
actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service 
bulletins described previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Bulletins

    While the service bulletins do not specify the type of inspection 
of the wire bundles to find discrepancies (i.e., chafed or broken 
wires; damaged insulation or conductors; inadequate clearance between 
the wire bundle, insulation, and nose wheel well structure), this AD 
would require a

[[Page 47574]]

detailed visual inspection to find such discrepancies. A note has been 
included in this AD to define that inspection.
    Additionally, although the service bulletins specify that the 
initial inspection is to be completed ``at the earliest opportunity 
when manpower and facilities are available,'' the FAA finds that such a 
compliance time will not ensure that the inspection is accomplished in 
a timely manner. In developing an appropriate compliance time for the 
inspection, the FAA considered not only the degree of urgency 
associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, but the amount 
of time necessary to accomplish the inspection, and the practical 
aspect of accomplishing the inspection within an interval of time that 
parallels normal scheduled maintenance for the affected operators. In 
consideration of these factors, the FAA has determined that 90 days 
after the effective date of this AD represents an appropriate interval 
of time allowable wherein an acceptable level of safety can be 
maintained.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    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.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is 
being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    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 2001-NM-265-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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 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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

2001-18-12  Boeing: Amendment 39-12438. Docket 2001-NM-265-AD.

    Applicability: Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes, 
as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0139, and Model 
767-400ER series airplanes as listed in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 767-24A0140, both dated February 9, 2001; 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 request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

Compliance

    Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
    To find and fix discrepancies of the wire bundles located 
between the P50 panel and the nose wheel well structure, which could 
result in electrical arcing, smoke, or fire in the cabin, and 
failure of certain systems essential to safe flight and landing of 
the airplane; accomplish the following:

Repetitive Inspections/Corrective Actions

    (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
detailed visual inspection of the wire bundles between the P50 panel 
and the nose wheel structure to find discrepancies (i.e., chafed or 
broken wires, damaged insulation or conductors, inadequate clearance 
between the wire bundle, insulation, and nose wheel well structure), 
according to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0139 (for Model 
767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes), or 767-24A0140 (for 
Model 767-400ER series airplanes), both dated February 9, 2001; as 
applicable. Repeat the inspection every 6,000 flight hours or 18 
months, whichever comes first.


[[Page 47575]]


    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''

    (b) If any discrepancy is found after doing the inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Before further flight, do the 
applicable corrective actions (i.e., repair or replace any damaged 
wires or worn components, install protective sleeving over the wire 
bundles, relocate the wire bundle to provide adequate clearance), 
according to Figure 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0139 (for Model 767-200, -300, and -
300F series airplanes), or 767-24A0140 (for Model 767-400ER series 
airplanes), both dated February 9, 2001; as applicable. Then repeat 
the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD at the time 
specified.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) 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. 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 767-24A0140, dated February 9, 2001; or Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0139, dated February 9, 2001; 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.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 28, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 4, 2001.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-22671 Filed 9-12-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U