[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 11 (Tuesday, January 18, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2848-2852]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-879]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-1311; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-229-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 757 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) that applies to certain Model 757 airplanes. The 
existing AD currently requires inspecting certain power feeder wire 
bundles for damage, inspecting the support clamps for these wire 
bundles to determine whether the clamps are properly installed, and 
performing corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would 
require additional inspections for certain airplanes. This proposed AD 
results from a report that a power feeder wire bundle chafed against 
the number six auxiliary slat track, causing electrical wires in the 
bundle to arc, which damaged both the auxiliary slat track and power 
feeder wires. We are proposing this AD to prevent arcing that could be 
a possible ignition source for leaked flammable fluids, which could 
result in a fire. Arcing could also result in a loss of power from the 
generator connected to the power feeder wire bundle, and consequent 
loss of systems, which could reduce controllability of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 4, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-
544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail [email protected]; 
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Philip Sheridan, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6441; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-1311; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-229-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On January 18, 2007, we issued AD 2007-03-01, Amendment 39-14912 
(72 FR 3939, January 29, 2007), for certain Model 757 airplanes. That 
AD requires inspecting certain power feeder wire bundles for damage, 
inspecting the support clamps for those wire bundles to determine 
whether the clamps are properly installed, and performing corrective 
actions if necessary. That AD resulted from a report that a power 
feeder wire bundle chafed against the number six auxiliary slat track, 
causing electrical wires in the bundle to arc, which damaged both the 
auxiliary slat track and power feeder wires. We issued that AD to 
prevent arcing that could be a possible ignition source for leaked 
flammable fluids, which could result in a fire. Arcing could also 
result in a loss of power from the generator connected to the power 
feeder wire bundle, and consequent loss of systems, which could reduce 
controllability of the airplane.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2007-03-01, we have learned that Boeing 
inadvertently identified certain airplanes with incorrect group numbers 
in Boeing

[[Page 2849]]

Special Attention Service Bulletins 757-24-0105 and 757-24-0106, both 
Revision 2, both dated April 20, 2006. We referred to those service 
bulletins as the appropriate sources of service information for 
accomplishing the required actions of AD 2007-03-01. As a result of 
identifying this error, Boeing has revised Special Attention Service 
Bulletins 757-24-0105 and 757-24-0106.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-
0105, Revision 3, dated October 3, 2006; Revision 4, dated January 4, 
2008; and Revision 5, dated July 30, 2009 (for Model 757-200, -200CB, 
and -200PF series airplanes). Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
757-24-0105, Revision 3, dated October 3, 2006, corrects a compliance 
recommendation and adds more part number data applicable to the spacer. 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-0105, Revision 4, 
dated January 4, 2008, corrects a part number and adds AD data. Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-0105, Revision 5, dated July 
30, 2009, contains a change in the airplane group and configuration 
data, adds maintenance zones, and adds another optional fastener to 
plug the hole in the bracket. Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
757-24-0105, Revision 5, dated July 30, 2009, states that additional 
work is required for airplanes that have been moved from Group 2 to 
Group 1, Configuration 2. Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
757-24-0105, Revision 5, dated July 30, 2009, states that these 
airplanes require a general visual inspection to make sure they have 
support clamps for the power feeder wire bundles W3312 and W3412 at 
front spar station 148.90 and clamps installed on the lower brackets on 
the left wings as shown in Figure 3 of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 757-24-0105, Revision 5, dated July 30, 2009.
    We have also reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
757-24-0106, Revision 3, dated October 3, 2006; Revision 4, dated 
January 4, 2008; and Revision 5, dated July 30, 2009 (for Model 757-300 
series airplanes). Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-
0106, Revision 3, dated October 3, 2006, corrects a compliance 
recommendation and adds more part number data applicable to the spacer.
    Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-0106, Revision 4, 
dated January 4, 2008, regrouped certain airplanes from Group 1 to 
Group 2. For this group of newly moved airplanes, Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-0106, Revision 4, dated January 4, 
2008, regrouped airplanes having variable numbers NL101-NL104, NL141, 
and NL601-NL607 from Group 1 to Group 2 and added wire bundle W5784 and 
W5786 data. The airplanes moved to Group 2 require additional work: 
Doing a general visual inspection for damage (including but not limited 
to chafing) of wire bundles W5784 and W5786, doing a general visual 
inspection of the support clamps for those power feeder wire bundles to 
determine whether the clamps are properly installed, and doing 
corrective actions if necessary. The corrective actions include 
repairing damage of the power feeder wire bundles, installing in the 
correct hole of the attach bracket any support clamp found installed 
elsewhere, installing a spacer if one is not already installed, and 
installing a rivet to plug the open hole in the attach bracket.
    Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-0106, Revision 5, 
dated July 30, 2009, adds affected maintenance zones and an optional 
rivet to plug the open hole in the bracket.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to develop on other airplanes of the 
same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD, which 
would supersede AD 2007-03-01 and would retain the requirements of the 
existing AD. This proposed AD would also require accomplishing the 
actions specified in the service information described previously.

Change to Existing AD

    We have removed the ``Service Bulletin Reference'' paragraph from 
this NPRM. (That paragraph was identified as paragraph (f) in AD 2007-
03-01). Instead, we have provided the full service bulletin citations 
throughout this NPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    There are approximately 902 Model 757 airplanes of the affected 
design in the worldwide fleet. We estimate that 631 airplanes of U.S. 
registry would be affected by this proposed AD.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                                Number of
                                                          Average                                                 U.S.-
                  Action                    Work hours   labor rate     Parts          Cost per airplane        registered           Fleet cost
                                                          per hour                                              airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (required by AD 2007-03-01)...            2          $85           $0  $170 per inspection cycle..          683  $116,110 per inspection
                                                                                                                             cycle.
Inspection for certain Group 1 Model 757-            5          $85           $0  $425 per inspection cycle..          646  $274,550 per inspection
 200, -200CB, -200PF series airplanes                                                                                        cycle.
 (new proposed action).
Inspections for Model 757-300 series                 4          $85           $0  $340 per inspection cycle..           37  $12,580 per inspection
 airplanes (new proposed action).                                                                                            cycle..
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Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on

[[Page 2850]]

products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the 
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-14912 (72 FR 
3939, January 29, 2007) and adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2010-1311; Directorate Identifier 
2009-NM-229-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by March 4, 
2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-03-01, Amendment 39-14912.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200PF, 
-200CB, and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category, 
specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Model 757-200, -200PF, and -200CB series airplanes, as 
identified in Boeing Special Attention Bulletin 757-24-0105, 
Revision 5, dated July 30, 2009.
    (2) Model 757-300 series airplanes, as identified in Boeing 
Special Attention Bulletin 757-24-0106, Revision 5, dated July 30, 
2009.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24: 
Electrical power.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from a report that a power feeder wire 
bundle chafed against the number six auxiliary slat track, causing 
electrical wires in the bundle to arc, which damaged both the 
auxiliary slat track and power feeder wires. The Federal Aviation 
Administration is issuing this AD to prevent arcing that could be a 
possible ignition source for leaked flammable fluids, which could 
result in a fire. Arcing could also result in a loss of power from 
the generator connected to the power feeder wire bundle, and 
consequent loss of systems, which could reduce controllability of 
the airplane.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2007-03-01, With Revised Service 
Information and Affected Airplane Groups:

One-Time Inspections and Corrective Actions

    (g) For Model 757-200, -200PF, and -200CB series airplanes; and 
for Model 757-300 series airplanes identified as Group 1 airplanes 
in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-0106, Revision 
5, dated July 30, 2009: Within 24 months after March 5, 2007 (the 
effective date for AD 2007-03-01), perform a general visual 
inspection for damage (including but not limited to chafing) of 
power feeder wire bundles W3312 and W3412 at front spar station 
148.90 in the left and right wings, and a general visual inspection 
of the support clamps for those power feeder wire bundles to 
determine whether the clamps are properly installed, and, before 
further flight, do all applicable corrective actions. Do these 
actions by doing all of the applicable actions in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
identified in Table 1 of this AD. After the effective date of this 
AD, only Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-0105, 
Revision 5, dated July 30, 2009 (for Model 757-200, -200CB, and -
200PF series airplanes); or Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 757-24-0106, Revision 5, dated July 30, 2009 (for Model 
757-300 series airplanes); may be used.

                                 Table 1--Acceptable Service Bulletin Revisions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Boeing Special Attention
                Model--                      Service Bulletin--       Revision--              Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
757-200, -200CB, and -200PF series       757-24-0105...............            2  April 20, 2006.
 airplanes.
757-200, -200CB, and -200PF series       757-24-0105...............            5  July 30, 2009.
 airplanes.
757-300 series airplanes...............  757-24-0106...............            2  April 20, 2006.
757-300 series airplanes...............  757-24-0106...............            5  July 30, 2009.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Actions Accomplished Previously for Paragraph (g) of This AD

    (h) Inspections and corrective actions done before March 5, 
2007, in accordance with the service information listed in Table 2 
of this AD are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding 
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

   Table 2--Other Acceptable Service Bulletin Revisions for Previously
                          Accomplished Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Boeing Special Attention
     Service Bulletin--          Revision--             Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
757-24-0105.................  Original.......  September 30, 2004.
757-24-0105.................  1..............  June 23, 2005.
757-24-0106.................  Original.......  September 30, 2004.

[[Page 2851]]

 
757-24-0106.................  1..............  June 23, 2005.
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New Requirements of This AD

Additional Work for Model 757-200, -200CB, and -200PF Series Airplanes 
Identified in Revision 5 of the Service Information

    (i) For Model 757-200, -200CB, and -200PF series airplanes on 
which inspections have been done before the effective date of this 
AD in accordance with any service bulletin specified in Table 3 of 
this AD: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
general visual inspection to determine that the clamp is installed 
on the lower bracket on the left wing as shown in Figure 3 of Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-0105, Revision 5, dated 
July 30, 2009. If any clamp is missing, before further flight, 
install a clamp on the lower bracket on the left wing, in accordance 
with Figure 3 of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-
0105, Revision 5, dated July 30, 2009.

    Table 3--Acceptable Revisions of Service Information for Actions
            Accomplished Before the Effective Date of This AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Boeing Special Attention
     Service Bulletin--          Revision--             Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
757-24-0105.................  Original.......  September 30, 2004.
757-24-0105.................  1..............  June 23, 2005.
757-24-0105.................  2..............  April 20, 2006.
757-24-0105.................  3..............  October 3, 2006.
757-24-0105.................  4..............  January 4, 2008.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (j) For Group 2 airplanes as identified in Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-0106, Revision 5, dated July 30, 
2009: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a general visual inspection for damage (including, but not limited 
to chafing) of power feeder wire bundles W5784 and W5786 at front 
spar station 148.90 in the left and right wings, and a general 
visual inspection of the support clamps for those power feeder wire 
bundles to determine whether the clamps are properly installed, and, 
before further flight, do all applicable corrective actions. Do all 
applicable actions in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-
0106, Revision 5, dated July 30, 2009.

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (k) Inspections and corrective actions done before the effective 
date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 757-24-0106, Revision 4, dated January 4, 2008, are 
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (l) Inspections and corrective actions done before the effective 
date of this AD in accordance with the service information listed in 
Table 4 of this AD are acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding actions required by paragraph (j) of this AD, provided 
that power feeder wire bundles W5784 and W5786 were inspected and 
all applicable correction actions were done.

 Table 4--Other Acceptable Service Bulletin Revisions for Paragraph (j)
                               of This AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Boeing Special Attention
     Service Bulletin--          Revision--             Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
757-24-0106.................  Original.......  September 30, 2004.
757-24-0106.................  1..............  June 23, 2005.
757-24-0106.................  2..............  April 20, 2006.
757-24-0106.................  3..............  October 3, 2006.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (m) Inspections and corrective actions done before the effective 
date of this AD in accordance with the service information listed in 
Table 5 of this AD are acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

 Table 5--Other Acceptable Service Bulletin Revisions for Paragraph (g)
                               of This AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Boeing Special Attention
     Service Bulletin--          Revision--             Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
757-24-0106.................  3..............  October 3, 2006.
757-24-0106.................  4..............  January 4, 2008.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Special Flight Permit

    (n) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  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, provided that the 
generator served by the power feeder wire bundles specified in 
paragraph (g) or (j) of this AD, as applicable, is disconnected.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (o)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to 
ATTN: Philip Sheridan, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment 
Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
(425) 917-6441; fax (425) 917-6590. Information may be e-mailed to: 
[email protected].
    (2) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2007-03-01, 
Amendment 39-14912, are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding 
provisions of paragraph (g) of this AD.

[[Page 2852]]

    (3) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 10, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-879 Filed 1-14-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P