[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 232 (Tuesday, December 3, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72564-72567]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-28441]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1229; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-135-AD; 
Amendment 39-17684; AD 2013-24-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 757 and Model 767 airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by a standby power relay failure and subsequent illumination 
of the ``STANDBY BUS OFF'' light, which led the flightcrew to set the 
standby power switch to the ``BAT'' position, isolating the battery and 
standby buses, disabling the battery charger, and eventually causing 
the main battery to be depleted. This AD requires doing wiring changes 
and installing a new air/ground relay to the battery charger system. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent discharge of the main battery, which 
could result in multiple system degradation, reduced airplane 
controllability, and runway excursion upon landing.

DATES: This AD is effective January 7, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 7, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marie Hogestad, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 
425-917-6418; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to the specified products. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 20, 2012 (77 FR 
75402). The NPRM proposed to require doing wiring changes and 
installing a

[[Page 72565]]

new air/ground relay to the battery charger system.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
(77 FR 75402, December 20, 2012) and the FAA's response to each 
comment.

Support for the NPRM (77 FR 75402, December 20, 2012)

    The Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA) stated that it 
supports the NPRM (77 FR 75402, December 20, 2012).
    Boeing stated that it concurs with the contents of the NPRM (77 FR 
75402, December 20, 2012).
    The National Transportation Safety Board stated that it supports 
the NPRM (77 FR 75402, December 20, 2012), and that, in conjunction 
with the procedural changes recommended by the board and implemented by 
Boeing, the NPRM will provide an additional margin of safety by 
requiring modifications to the airplane that will allow flightcrews to 
manage the electrical system more effectively in the event of a relay 
failure that results in a loss of power to the standby bus.

Request To Mandate Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) Change

    ALPA requested we ensure that operators adopt the QRH procedural 
changes that have been implemented by Boeing. ALPA stated that 
incorporating the QRH procedural changes would help to ensure that an 
event similar to the event that prompted the NPRM (77 FR 75402, 
December 20, 2012) does not occur during the 60-month compliance time.
    We partially agree with the commenter's request. We agree that 
incorporating the QRH change prior to implementing the design change 
helps mitigate the unsafe condition. We disagree with mandating 
incorporation of the QRH change. We have evaluated the risk and have 
determined that accomplishing this final rule within the required 
compliance time adequately addresses the unsafe condition without the 
need for any additional interim actions. We have determined this AD 
action is appropriate based on the probability of occurrence, without 
requiring that operators incorporate the temporary procedural changes 
prior to incorporating the required design changes. We have not changed 
this final rule in this regard.

Request To Specify Alternative Relay Locations

    United Airlines (UAL) requested that we specify alternate locations 
for the new air/ground relay in the P36 panel versus the location 
specified in Figure 15, Sheet 2, of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 757-24-0132, Revision 1, dated June 19, 2012 (which is the 
service information referenced in the NPRM (77 FR 75402, December 20, 
2012)). UAL stated that operators will need to apply for alternative 
methods of compliance (AMOCs) if they have used the location described 
in the service information for supplemental type certificate (STC) 
projects.
    We disagree with the commenter's request to specify alternate relay 
locations. Figure 15, Sheet 2, of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 757-24-0132, Revision 1, dated June 19, 2012, already provides 
a note with regard to the relay installation that states, ``if location 
is used, the new relay can be installed anywhere on the same row.'' We 
have not changed this final rule in this regard.

Request To Change Wire Bundle Routing

    UAL requested that the wire bundle routing described in Figure 1, 
Sheet 2, of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-0132, 
Revision 1, dated June 19, 2012, be moved to a location that is easier 
to access. UAL stated that bundle routing near diamond ``B'' by station 
288 can be very difficult because this is behind the P6 panel, which 
cannot be moved. UAL suggested that following a path in a bundle more 
forward would be easier. UAL also stated that removing the G1A galley 
for access is only feasible in a C-check environment; otherwise the 
cost is prohibitive.
    We disagree with the commenter's request to change the wire bundle 
routing. Wire bundle W2078 is an existing wire bundle being changed for 
this modification. The changes to this wire bundle are done near the P5 
and P36 panel. Figure 1, of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
757-24-0132, Revision 1, dated June 19, 2012, is only meant to show 
that the bundle is routed to both panels and the P6 panel, but it does 
not require a modification in that area.
    Figures 2 through 8 of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
757-24-0132, Revision 1, dated June 19, 2012, show the wiring change. 
The wire from the P6 panel (W2078-0 150-22) is an existing wire and is 
only modified near the P5 panel (flag note 8). Furthermore, the G1A 
galley is only removed if it is necessary. Note 5 of section 3.A., 
General Information, of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-
24-0132, Revision 1, dated June 19, 2012, states that, ``If it is 
necessary to remove more parts for access, you can remove those parts. 
If you can get access without removing identified parts, it is not 
necessary to remove all of the identified parts. Jacking and shoring 
limitations must be observed.'' Therefore, operators can remove other 
items if it is easier for them.
    Finally, in developing an appropriate compliance time for this AD, 
we considered not only the safety implications, but the manufacturer's 
recommendations and the practical aspect of accomplishing the actions 
within an interval of time that corresponds to typical scheduled 
maintenance for affected operators. We have determined that a 60-month 
compliance time will ensure an acceptable level of safety and allow the 
modifications to be done during scheduled maintenance intervals for 
most affected operators. Also, the Boeing service information cited in 
the NPRM (77 FR 75402, December 20, 2012), has been available to 
operators since June 2012; therefore, operators have had ample time to 
consider initiating those actions that this final rule requires. We 
have not changed this final rule in this regard.

Statement of STC Effect on Applicability

    Aviation Partners Boeing stated that the installation of winglets 
per STC ST01920SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory--and--Guidance--
Library/rgstc.nsf/0/082838ee177dbf62862576a4005cdfc0/$FILE/
ST01920SE.pdf) or STC ST01518SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory--and--
Guidance--Library/rgstc.nsf/0/48e13cdfbbc32cf4862576a4005d308b/$FILE/
ST01518SE.pdf) do not affect the accomplishment of the manufacturer's 
service instructions.
    We have added new paragraph (c)(3) to this final rule to state that 
installation of STC ST01920SE or STC ST01518SE does not affect the 
ability to accomplish the actions required by this final rule. 
Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01920SE or STC ST01518SE is 
installed, a ``change in product'' AMOC approval request is not 
necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the

[[Page 72566]]

public interest require adopting this AD with the change described 
previously and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these 
minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 75402, December 20, 2012) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 75402, December 20, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 1,085 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install new air/ground relay;     23 work-hours x     Up to $733........  Up to $2,688......  Up to $1,811,712.
 674 Model 757 airplanes.          $85 per hour =
                                   $1,955.
Install new air/ground relay;     Up to 35 work-      Up to $881........  Up to $3,856......  Up to $1,584,816.
 411 Model 767 airplanes.          hours x $85 per
                                   hour = $2,975.
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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 products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2013-24-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17684; Docket No. FAA-
2012-1229; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-135-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 7, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes, certificated in 
any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Model 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes, as 
identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-0132, 
Revision 1, dated June 19, 2012.
    (2) Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series airplanes, as 
identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-24-0200, 
Revision 1, dated September 13, 2012.
    (3) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
ST01920SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory--and--Guidance--Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/082838ee177dbf62862576a4005cdfc0/$FILE/ST01920SE.pdf) or 
STC ST01518SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory--and--Guidance--
Library/rgstc.nsf/0/48e13cdfbbc32cf4862576a4005d308b/$FILE/
ST01518SE.pdf) does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions 
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01920SE 
or STC ST01518SE is installed, a ''change in product'' alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to 
comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical Power.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a standby power relay failure and 
subsequent illumination of the ``STANDBY BUS OFF'' light, which led 
the flightcrew to set the standby power switch to the ``BAT'' 
position, isolating the battery and standby buses, disabling the 
battery charger, and eventually causing the main battery to be 
depleted. We are issuing this AD to prevent discharge of the main 
battery, which could result in multiple system degradation, reduced 
airplane controllability, and runway excursion upon landing.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Installation

    Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: Do wiring 
changes and install a new air/ground relay to the battery charger 
system, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-0132, Revision 1, dated 
June 19, 2012; or Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-24-
0200, Revision 1, dated September 13, 2012; as applicable.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) For Model 757 airplanes: This paragraph provides credit for 
the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD if those actions 
were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-0132, dated April 14, 
2011, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.

[[Page 72567]]

    (2) For Model 767 airplanes: This paragraph provides credit for 
the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD if those actions 
were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-24-0200, dated April 14, 
2011, which is not incorporated by reference, provided that a 
functional test of the battery charger system is done, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 767-24-0200, Revision 1, dated September 13, 2012, 
within 60 months after the effective date of this AD.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (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. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) 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.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization 
(ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make 
those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Marie Hogestad, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6418; fax: 425-917-6590; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference may be obtained at the addresses specified 
in paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4) of this AD.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-24-0132, 
Revision 1, dated June 19, 2012.
    (ii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-24-0200, 
Revision 1, dated September 13, 2012.
    (3) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services 
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; 
telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet 
https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 15, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-28441 Filed 12-2-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P