[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 137 (Thursday, July 17, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42317-42322]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-18082]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-40-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400, 747-400D, 747-
400F, 757-200, 757-200PF, 757-200CB, 767-200, 767-300, and 767-300F 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing transport category 
airplane models, as listed above. This proposal would require a 
modification of the air data computer (ADC) system, which involves 
installing certain new circuit breakers, relays, and related 
components, and making various wiring changes in and between the flight 
deck and main equipment center. For certain

[[Page 42318]]

airplanes, this proposal also would require accomplishment of various 
other actions prior to or concurrently with the modification of the ADC 
system. This action is necessary to ensure that the flightcrew is able 
to silence an erroneous overspeed or stall aural warning. A persistent 
erroneous warning could confuse and distract the flightcrew and lead to 
an increase in the flightcrew's workload. Such a situation could lead 
the flightcrew to act on hazardously misleading information, which 
could result in loss of control of the airplane. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by September 2, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-40-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 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. 2003-NM-40-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 or 2000 or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Zurcher, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 917-6495; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
    [sbull] 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.
    [sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
    [sbull] 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 proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2003-NM-40-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 2003-NM-40-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received reports indicating that an erroneous overspeed 
aural warning that cannot be silenced may occur on certain Boeing Model 
747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 757-200, 757-200PF, 757-200CB, 767-200, 
767-300, and 767-300F series airplanes. When the air data computer 
(ADC) detects an overspeed condition, the ADC sends a warning through 
the Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) and aural 
warning systems. If the flightcrew finds that this warning is 
erroneous, following flightcrew procedures to eliminate the erroneous 
ADC source will remove the erroneous air data source from the 
flightcrew display and from use in computation of navigation and flight 
control solutions, but the erroneous aural warning will not be 
silenced. Inability to silence an erroneous warning could confuse and 
distract the flightcrew, and lead to an increase in the flightcrew's 
workload. An erroneous aural warning that cannot be silenced may also 
cause the flightcrew to act based on misleading information. This may 
have been a factor in previous airplane incidents in which flightcrew 
actions based on hazardously misleading information have resulted in 
loss of control of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the following Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletins:
    [sbull] 747-34A2460, Revision 2, dated June 14, 2001 (for Model 
747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes), which describes procedures 
for re-routing wires associated with ADC overspeed warnings to 
eliminate erroneous overspeed warnings. The procedures involve 
replacing the P1-1 and P3-1 module assemblies in the flight deck with 
improved assemblies, installing various wires in and between the flight 
deck and main equipment center of the airplane, and performing a test 
of the source select module and a system functional test. This service 
bulletin specifies that Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-2179, 747-31-
2180, or 747-31-2217 must be accomplished either previously or 
concurrently. Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-34A2460, Revision 2, 
refers to Boeing Component Service Bulletins 233U2200-31-01 and 
233U2205-31-01, both dated April 20, 1995, as additional sources for 
instructions to change the ADC computer source select switch on the P1-
1 and P3-1 panels, respectively.
    [sbull] 757-34A0222, dated March 28, 2002 (for Model 757-200,-
200PF, and -200CB series airplanes), which describes procedures for 
installing a circuit breaker and replacing an existing lightplate 
assembly with a new, improved lightplate assembly in the flight 
compartment; installing two relays and removing a certain relay in the 
main equipment center; making various wiring changes in the flight 
compartment and main equipment center; and performing tests of the 
flight data acquisition unit, flight data recorder system, and stall 
and overspeed warnings. These changes are intended to allow the 
flightcrew to silence an erroneous aural overspeed or stall warning by 
switching away from a failed ADC that is generating the warning. This 
service bulletin specifies that Boeing Service Bulletin 757-31-0059 
must be accomplished either previously or concurrently.

[[Page 42319]]

    [sbull] 767-34A0332, dated January 10, 2002 (for Model 767-200, -
300, and -300F series airplanes), which describes procedures for 
installing two circuit breakers in the flight deck, installing two 
relays in the main equipment center, making various wiring changes in 
the flight deck and main equipment center, and doing a system 
functional test. These changes are intended to allow the flightcrew to 
silence an erroneous aural overspeed or stall warning by switching away 
from a failed ADC that is generating the warning. This service bulletin 
specifies that Boeing Service Bulletins 767-31-0091, 767-31-0098, 767-
31-0099, 767-31-0100, or 767-31-0101, as applicable, must be 
accomplished either previously or concurrently.

Explanation of Other Related Service Information (747-400, -400D and 
``400F)

    We have reviewed and approved Boeing Service Bulletins 747-31-2179, 
dated May 26, 1994 (for Boeing Model 747-400 and -400F series airplanes 
equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series engines), and 747-31-2180, 
dated March 17, 1994 (for Boeing Model 747-400 and -400F series 
airplanes equipped with Rolls-Royce engines). These service bulletins 
described procedures for replacing the three Electronic Flight 
Information System (EFIS)/EICAS interface units (EIU) with improved 
EIUs and installing new software in six integrated display units (IDU) 
and three EIUs.
    We have also reviewed and approved Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-
2217, dated May 19, 1994 (for Boeing Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F 
series airplanes equipped with General Electric (GE) engines). That 
service bulletin describes procedures for installing new software in 
six IDUs and three EIUs.
    Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-2217 specifies that the changes in 
Boeing Service Bulletins 747-31-2178, dated July 1, 1993, and 747-45-
2010, dated December 17, 1992, must be accomplished prior to the 
actions in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-2217. We have reviewed and 
approved those service bulletins. Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-2178 
describes procedures for replacing three EIUs with improved EIUs and 
installing new software in six IDUs and three EIUs. Boeing Service 
Bulletin 747-45-2010 describes procedures for installing new software 
in the central maintenance computer (CMC).
    Boeing Service Bulletin 747-45-2010 specifies that, for airplanes 
equipped with GE engines, the actions in Boeing Service Bulletins 747-
45-2005 and 747-31-2163 must be accomplished prior to or concurrently 
with those specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-45-2010. We have 
reviewed and approved those service bulletins. Boeing Service Bulletin 
747-45-2005, dated February 8, 1990, describes procedures for a 
modification that involves replacing certain CMCs with improved CMCs, 
modifying related wiring, and modifying the data loader control panel. 
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-2163, dated February 14, 1991, describes 
procedures for installing new software in six IDUs and three EIUs.

Explanation of Other Related Service Information (757-200, -200CB, -
200PF; 767)

    We also have reviewed and approved the following Boeing service 
bulletins, which all describe procedures for performing an EICAS 
readout comparison to ensure that the applicable software is used, 
replacing the existing EICAS computers with new EICAS computers that 
can be upgraded with certain software, and making related wiring 
changes:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Boeing service bulletin (all        Service bulletin
 including Appendices A, B, and C)-      revision level-     Service bulletin date-          Effectivity-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
757-31-0059........................  Revision 3............  March 29, 2001........  Boeing Model 757-200, -
                                                                                      200CB, and -200PF series
                                                                                      airplanes.
767-31-0091........................  Revision 3............  April 27, 2000........  Model 767 series airplanes
                                                                                      with certain GE CF6-80C2
                                                                                      Full Authority Digital
                                                                                      Electronic Engine Control
                                                                                      (FADEC) series engines.
767-31-0098........................  Revision 2............  October 21, 1999......  Model 767-200 and -300
                                                                                      series airplanes with
                                                                                      certain GE Power
                                                                                      Management Computer (PMC)
                                                                                      engines.
767-31-0099........................  Revision 3............  February 8, 2001......  Model 767-300 series
                                                                                      airplanes with certain
                                                                                      Rolls Royce engines.
767-31-0100........................  Revision 2............  July 29, 1999.........  Model 767 series airplanes
                                                                                      with certain Pratt &
                                                                                      Whitney PW4000 series
                                                                                      engines.
767-31-0101........................  Original..............  July 6, 2000..........  Model 767-200 and -300
                                                                                      series airplanes with
                                                                                      Pratt & Whitney JT9D
                                                                                      series engines.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the applicable service bulletins described previously, except as 
discussed below.

Differences Between Service Bulletins and Proposed AD

    Operators should note that Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 747-
34A2460, Revision 2, 757-34A0222, and 767-34A0332 recommend 
accomplishing the modification as soon as manpower, materials, and 
facilities are available. We have determined that such a non-specific 
compliance time would not address the identified unsafe condition in a 
timely manner. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this 
AD, we considered not only the manufacturer's recommendation, but the 
degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe 
condition, and the time necessary to perform the proposed actions. In 
light of these factors, we find a 24-month compliance time for 
completing the proposed actions to be warranted, in that it represents 
an appropriate interval of time allowable for affected airplanes to 
continue to operate without compromising safety.
    Also, Boeing Service Bulletins 747-34A2460, Revision 2, and 757-
34A0222 specify that operators may accomplish certain actions per a 
specific chapter of the Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM) or an 
``operator's equivalent procedure.'' However, this proposed AD would 
require operators to accomplish the actions per the chapter of the AMM 
specified in the service bulletin. An ``operator's equivalent 
procedure'' may be used only if approved as an

[[Page 42320]]

alternative method of compliance per paragraph (e) of this AD.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the Proposed AD

    On July 10, 2002, we issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs our airworthiness directives 
system. This regulation now includes material that relates to altered 
products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance 
(AMOCs). Because we have now included this material in part 39, only 
the office authorized to approve AMOCs is identified in each individual 
AD.

Explanation of Cost Impact

    We have reviewed the figures we have used over the past several 
years to calculate AD costs to operators. To account for various 
inflationary costs in the airline industry, we find it necessary to 
increase the labor rate used in these calculations from $60 per work 
hour to $65 per work hour. The cost impact information, below, reflects 
this increase in the specified hourly labor rate.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 1,872 airplanes of the affected designs in 
the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 36 Model 747-400, -400D, 
and -400F series airplanes; 639 Model 757-200, -200CB, and -200PF 
series airplanes; and 244 Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series 
airplanes; of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD. 
Estimates of the costs to accomplish the proposed actions are provided 
in the following table:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Work hours     Hourly  labor    Parts cost       Cost per
                Service bulletin                   per airplane        rate        per airplane      airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
747-34A2460.....................................             158             $65   $1,448-$1,735  $11,718-$12,00
                                                                                                               5
747-31-2179.....................................               2              65            None             130
747-31-2180.....................................               2              65            None             130
747-31-2217.....................................               2              65            None             130
747-31-2178.....................................               5              65            None             325
747-45-2010.....................................               2              65            None             130
747-45-2005.....................................               2              65            None             130
747-31-2163.....................................               2              65            None             130
757-34A0222.....................................             107              65   12,571-12,953   19,526-19,908
757-31-0059.....................................               5              65            None             325
767-34A0332.....................................              55              65    9,988-11,167   13,563-14,742
767-31-0091.....................................               7              65            None             455
767-31-0098.....................................               5              65            None             325
767-31-0099.....................................              24              65            None           1,560
767-31-0100.....................................               8              65            None             520
767-31-0101.....................................               6              65            None             390
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We estimate that the total cost to accomplish all actions that may be 
required for all airplanes that would be affected by this AD may be as 
much as $17,783,875.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
in the future if this proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact 
figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time 
necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. 
These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the 
time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would 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 proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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:

Boeing: Docket 2003-NM-40-AD.

    Applicability: Airplanes as listed in Table 1 of this AD, 
certificated in any category. Table 1 of this AD follows:

[[Page 42321]]



                                             Table 1.--Applicability
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Airplane Model--                           As Listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F series       747-34A2460, Revision 2, dated June 14, 2001.
 airplanes.
757-200, 757-200PF, 757-200CB series     757-34A0222, dated March 28, 2002.
 airplanes.
767-200, 767-300, and 767-300F series    767-34A0332, dated January 10, 2002.
 airplanes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To ensure that the flightcrew is able to silence an erroneous 
overspeed or stall aural warning, accomplish the following:

Modification of Air Data Computer System

    (a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the air data computer system, as specified in paragraph (a)(1), 
(a)(2), or (a)(3) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes: Re-
route wires associated with air data computer (ADC) overspeed 
warnings, replace the P1-1 and P3-1 module assemblies in the flight 
deck with improved module assemblies, install various wires in and 
between the flight deck and main equipment center of the airplane, 
and perform a test of the source select module and a system 
functional test, according to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
34A2460, Revision 2, dated June 14, 2001.

    Note 1: Boeing Service Bulletin 747-34A2460, Revision 2, refers 
to Boeing Component Service Bulletins 233U2200-31-01 and 233U2205-
31-01, both dated April 20, 1995, as additional sources for 
instructions to change the ADC computer source select switch on the 
P1-1 and P3-1 panels, respectively.

    (2) For Model 757-200, -200PF, and -200CB series airplanes: 
Install a circuit breaker and replace an existing lightplate 
assembly with a new, improved lightplate assembly in the flight 
compartment; install two relays and remove a certain relay in the 
main equipment center; make various wiring changes in the flight 
compartment and main equipment center; and perform tests of the 
flight data acquisition unit, flight data recorder system, and stall 
and overspeed warnings. Do these actions according to Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 757-34A0222, dated March 28, 2002.
    (3) For Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes: Install 
two circuit breakers in the flight deck, install two relays in the 
main equipment center, make various wiring changes in the flight 
deck and main equipment center, and do a system functional test, 
according to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-34A0332, dated 
January 10, 2002.

Actions Required To Be Accomplished Prior to or Concurrently With 
Paragraph (a)

    (b) Prior to or concurrently with accomplishment of paragraph 
(a) of this AD, accomplish paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (1) For Boeing Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes: 
Do the actions specified in Table 2 of this AD, as applicable:

           Table 2.--Boeing Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F Series Airplanes--Prior/Concurrent Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     According to the
      For airplanes listed in--         Accomplish all actions        accomplishment
                                           associated with--         instructions of--
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-2179,   Replacing the three       Boeing Service Bulletin
 dated May 26, 1994.                    Electronic Flight         747-31-2179.
                                        Information System
                                        (EFIS)/Engine
                                        Indicating and Crew
                                        Alerting System (EICAS)
                                        interface units (EIU)
                                        in the main equipment
                                        center with improved
                                        EIUs and installing new
                                        software in six
                                        integrated display
                                        units (IDU) and three
                                        EIUs.
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-2180,   Replacing the three EIUs  Boeing Service Bulletin
 dated March 17, 1994.                  in the main equipment     747-31-2180.
                                        center with improved
                                        EIUs and installing new
                                        software in six IDUs
                                        and three EIUs.
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-2217    Installing new software   Boeing Service Bulletin
 dated May 19, 1994.                    in six IDUs and three     747-31-2217.
                                        EIUs.
Boeing Service Bulletins 747-31-2217   Replacing three EIUs      Boeing Service Bulletin
 and 747-31-2178; and dated July 1,     with improved EIUs and    747-31-2178.
 1993.                                  installing new software
                                        in six IDUs and three
                                        EIUs.
Boeing Service Bulletins 747-31-2217   Installing new software   Boeing Service Bulletin
 and 747-45-2010, dated December 17,    in the central            747-45-2010.
 1992.                                  maintenance computer
                                        (CMC).
Boeing Service Bulletins 747-31-2217   Replacing certain CMCs    Boeing Service Bulletin
 and 747-45-2005, dated February 8,     with improved CMCs,       747-45-2005.
 1990.                                  modifying related
                                        wiring, and modifying
                                        the data loader control
                                        panel.
Boeing Service Bulletins 747-31-2217   Installing new software   Boeing Service Bulletin
 and 747-31-2163, dated February 14,    in six IDUs and three     747-31-2163.
 1991.                                  EIUs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Replacement of EICAS Computers

    (2) For airplanes identified in any of the service bulletins 
listed in Table 3 of this AD: Prior to or concurrently with 
accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD, 
accomplish all actions associated with replacing the existing EICAS 
computers with improved EICAS computers, according to the applicable 
service bulletin specified in Table 3 of this AD. The actions 
include performing an EICAS readout comparison to ensure that the 
applicable software is used; replacing the existing EICAS computers 
with new, improved EICAS computers that can be upgraded with certain 
software; and making related wiring changes. Table 3 of this AD 
follows:

[[Page 42322]]



     Table 3.--Service Bulletins for Replacement of EICAS Computers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Boeing Service Bulletin (all
including Appendices A, B, and  Service bulletin  Service bulletin date--
             C)--               revision level--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
757-31-0059...................  Revision 3......  March 29, 2001.
767-31-0091...................  Revision 3......  April 27, 2000.
767-31-0098...................  Revision 2......  October 21,
                                                   [chyph]1999.
767-31-0099...................  Revision 3......  February 8, 2001.
767-31-0100...................  Revision 2......  July 29, 1999.
767-31-0101...................  Original........  July 6, 2000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parts Installation

    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, 
on any airplane, a part having a part number listed in the 
``Existing Part Number'' column of the table under paragraph 2.E. of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-34A2460, Revision 2, dated June 
14, 2000; 757-31-0059, Revision 3, dated March 29, 2001; 767-31-
0091, Revision 3, dated April 27, 2000; 767-31-0098, Revision 2, 
dated October 21, 1999; 767-31-0099, Revision 3, dated February 8, 
2001; 767-31-0100, Revision 2, dated July 29, 1999; or 767-31-0101, 
dated July 6, 2000; or under paragraph II.D. of Boeing Service 
Bulletins 747-31-2179, dated May 26, 1994; 747-31-2180, dated March 
17, 1994; 747-31-2178, dated July 1, 1993; 747-45-2010, dated 
December 17, 1992; 747-45-2005, dated February 8, 1990; or 747-31-
2163, dated February 14, 1991.

Operator's ``Equivalent Procedure'

    (d) Where Boeing Service Bulletins 747-34A2460, Revision 2, 
dated June 14, 2000; and 757-34A0222, dated March 28, 2002; specify 
that certain actions may be accomplished per an operator's 
``equivalent procedure': These actions must be accomplished per the 
chapter of the applicable Boeing 747 or 757 Airplane Maintenance 
Manual specified in the applicable service bulletin. An operator's 
``equivalent procedure'' cannot be used unless the operator receives 
FAA approval for that procedure according to paragraph (e) of this 
AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve 
alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 11, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-18082 Filed 7-16-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P