[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 3, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9930-9932]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-4562]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-259-AD; Amendment 39-13501; AD 2004-05-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes, that 
currently requires a one-time inspection to detect abrasion damage and 
installation discrepancies of the wire bundles located below the P37 
panel, and corrective action if necessary. For airplanes already 
subject to the existing AD, this amendment requires inspecting to 
determine whether the existing location of a certain wire support 
standoff is adequate, relocating the wire support standoff if 
necessary, installing protective sleeving over the wire bundles, and 
installing wire bundle support clamps if necessary. This amendment also 
expands the applicability of the existing AD to include additional 
airplanes, and require inspecting the sleeving on certain wire bundles, 
and accomplishing corrective action if necessary, on those airplanes. 
The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and prevent 
abrasion damage and correct installation discrepancies of the wire 
bundles located below the P37 panel, which could result in arcing to 
structure and consequent fire or loss of function of affected systems. 
This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective April 7, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 7, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington

[[Page 9931]]

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: Elias Natsiopoulos, Aerospace 
Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 917-6478; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 2001-17-28 R1, 
amendment 39-12510 (66 FR 58924, November 26, 2001), which is 
applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes, was published 
in the Federal Register on March 3, 2003 (68 FR 9947). For airplanes 
already subject to the existing AD, the action proposed to require 
inspecting to determine whether the existing location of a certain wire 
support standoff is adequate, relocating the wire support standoff if 
necessary, installing protective sleeving over the wire bundles, and 
installing wire bundle support clamps if necessary. The action also 
proposed to expand the applicability of the existing AD to include 
additional airplanes, and require inspecting the sleeving on certain 
wire bundles, and accomplishing corrective action if necessary, on 
those airplanes.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Credit for Actions Accomplished per Previous Service Bulletins

    Three commenters request that the FAA give credit for actions 
accomplished in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-
24A0134 (for Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes), dated March 15, 
2001. They state that Revision 1 of the service bulletin specifies no 
more work is necessary for airplanes changed in accordance with the 
original issue of the service bulletin.
    We agree. We have determined that completion of all the steps in 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-
24A0134 (for Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes) or Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 767-24A0135 (for Model 767-400ER series airplanes), 
both dated March 15, 2001, as applicable, is acceptable for compliance 
with the corresponding actions specified for Group 1 airplanes in 
paragraph (b) of this AD. We have added paragraph (c) to this final 
rule to give credit for accomplishment of previous service bulletins.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule with the change previously described. 
We have determined that this change will neither increase the economic 
burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the AD

    On July 10, 2002, we issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's airworthiness directives 
system. The 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. However, for clarity and consistency in this final rule, we have 
retained the language of the NPRM regarding that material.

Change to Labor Rate Estimate

    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 839 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. We estimate that 325 airplanes of U.S. registry will 
be affected by this AD.
    The inspection that is currently required by AD 2001-17-28 R1 takes 
approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $42,250, or $130 per airplane.
    For airplanes in both Groups 1 and 2 as listed in the alert service 
bulletins, the new actions that are required by this new AD will take 
approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $65 per work hour. The cost of required parts will be 
negligible. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the new 
requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $42,250, 
or $130 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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 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 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.
    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

0
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:

[[Page 9932]]

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-12510 (66 FR 
58924, November 26, 2001), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-13501, to read as follows:

2004-05-07 Boeing: Amendment 39-13501. Docket 2001-NM-259-AD. 
Supersedes AD 2001-17-28 R1, Amendment 39-12510.

    Applicability: Model 767 airplanes, certificated in any 
category, line numbers (L/Ns) 1 through 853 inclusive.

    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 (d)(1) 
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 detect and prevent abrasion damage and correct installation 
discrepancies of the wire bundles located below the P37 panel, which 
could result in arcing to structure and consequent fire or loss of 
function of affected systems, accomplish the following:

Requirements of AD 2001-17-28 R1, Amendment 39-12510

Inspection for Damage and Installation Discrepancies

    (a) For airplanes with L/Ns 1 through 815 inclusive: Within 90 
days after September 13, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2001-17-28, 
amendment 39-12419), perform a one-time detailed inspection of the 
wire bundles located below the P37 panel to detect abrasion damage 
and wire installation discrepancies (including missing standoffs; 
missing, chafed, or loose cable clamps; chafed grommets; and wire 
bundles located beneath an insulation blanket), in accordance with 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0134, excluding Evaluation 
Form, dated March 15, 2001, or Revision 1, excluding Evaluation 
Form, dated October 18, 2001 (for Model 767-200 and -300 series 
airplanes); or 767-24A0135, excluding Evaluation Form, dated March 
15, 2001, or Revision 1, excluding Evaluation Form, dated October 
18, 2001 (for Model 767-400ER series airplanes). If any damage or 
other discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, perform 
corrective actions in accordance with the applicable alert service 
bulletin. After December 11, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2001-17-
28 R1, amendment 39-12510), only Revision 1 of the alert service 
bulletins may be used.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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.''

New Requirements of this AD

Inspection and Corrective Actions

    (b) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do all 
actions in Work Package 2 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-
24A0134 (for Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes) or 767-24A0135 
(for Model 767-400ER series airplanes), both Revision 1, both 
excluding Evaluation Form, both dated October 18, 2001, as 
applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
the applicable alert service bulletin. For Group 1 airplanes, the 
procedures in Work Package 2 include performing a detailed 
inspection to determine whether the location of the wire support 
standoff for wire bundle W298 is adequate and whether a grommet is 
installed and not damaged (e.g., chafed), installing a new grommet 
if not already installed or if the existing grommet is damaged, 
relocating the wire support standoff as applicable, installing 
protective sleeving over certain wire bundles, and installing wire 
bundle support clamps. When installing wire bundle support clamps, 
make sure that wire bundles are installed inboard/above the 
insulation blankets. For Group 2 airplanes, the procedures in Work 
Package 2 include performing a detailed inspection of the sleeving 
on wire bundles W298, W235, and W2130, as applicable, to determine 
the type of protective sleeving installed and the location of that 
sleeving, relocating the sleeving or replacing the sleeving with new 
sleeving as applicable, and installing wire bundle support clamps as 
applicable. When installing wire bundle support clamps, make sure 
that wire bundles are installed inboard/above the insulation 
blankets.

Credit for Actions Accomplished per Previous Service Bulletins

    (c) For Group 1 airplanes, the actions accomplished before 
December 11, 2001, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0134 
(for Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes), dated March 15, 2001; 
or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0135 (for Model 767-400ER 
series airplanes), dated March 15, 2001; as applicable, are 
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions required by 
paragraph (b) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d)(1) 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.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 2001-17-28 R1, amendment 39-12510, are approved 
as alternative methods of compliance with the corresponding 
requirements of this AD.

    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

    (e) 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

    (f) Unless otherwise specified by this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0134, 
Revision 1, dated October 18, 2001 (for Model 767-200 and -300 
series airplanes); and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0135, 
Revision 1, dated October 18, 2001 (for Model 767-400ER series 
airplanes). 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

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on April 7, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 20, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-4562 Filed 3-2-04; 8:45 am]
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