[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 179 (Thursday, September 18, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44967-44969]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-18085]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2662; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00448-T;
Amendment 39-23132; AD 2025-18-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 767-300 series airplanes modified by a
certain supplemental type certificate (STC). This AD was prompted by a
discovery that certain pitot-static tubing of the first officer's
pitot-static system was installed incorrectly in the main and mid
equipment center during the airplane conversion from passenger to
freighter. This AD requires a visual inspection of certain pitot-static
rigid tubes and flexible hoses to determine whether low points exist,
and if necessary, related investigative and corrective actions. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 23, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 23,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2662; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For Israel Aerospace Industries, Ltd. material identified
in this AD, contact Israel Aerospace Industries, Ltd., Ben-Gurion
International Airport, Israel 70100; telephone 972-39359826; email
[email protected].
You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2662.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Salameh, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone:
206-231-3536; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing
Company Model 767-300 series airplanes modified by FAA STC ST02040SE.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 17, 2024 (89
FR 102019). The NPRM was prompted by a discovery that certain pitot-
static tubing of the first officer's pitot-static system was installed
incorrectly in the main and mid equipment center during the airplane
conversion from passenger to freighter.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), which is the
aviation authority for Israel, issued AD ISR I-34-2024-07-1, dated
August 6, 2024 (CAAI AD ISR I-34-2024-07-1) (also referred to as the
MCAI) to address the unsafe condition for The Boeing Company Model 767-
300 series airplanes, that have been modified to freighters in
accordance with CAAI STC SA-218 (FAA STC ST02040SE, EASA STC 10028430,
CAAC VSTC0812, TCCA SA14-67, ANAC 2011S03-12). Only FAA STC ST02040SE
is approved for U.S. operators.
The MCAI states that due to the pitot-static tubing improper
rerouting on the airplane conversion from passenger to freighter, two
erroneous conditions were found in the tubing connecting the pitot and
the static system tubing to the right air data computer belonging to
the first officer system: The flexible hoses part number (P/N)
BACH30BC06-0097 and P/N BACH30BC05-0111, creating a potential water
trap; and rigid tubes P/N 233T9110-437 and P/N 233T9110-320/314
installed through a structure 9G rigid barrier opening, creating a
potential water trap.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a visual inspection of
certain pitot-static rigid tubes and flexible hoses to determine
whether low points exist, and if necessary, related investigative and
corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the incorrect
installation of the pitot static tubing of the first officer's pitot-
static system. The unsafe conditions, if not addressed, may affect the
capability to drain water or moisture collected in the first officer
pitot-static tubing, and may cause malfunction to the system, leading
to an increased flight crew workload and possible loss of control of
the airplane.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2662.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), Boeing, and DHL Air Austria who supported the
NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from Aviation Partners Boeing
(APB) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The following presents the
comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions
APB stated that the installation of winglets per STC ST01920SE does
not affect compliance with the proposed actions.
The FAA agrees with the commenter. The installation of STC
ST01920SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions
required by this AD. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.
Request To Change Corrective Actions Compliance Time
IAI requested the FAA delete the text ``before further flight'' in
paragraph (g) of the proposed AD. IAI stated that the compliance
requirement of the proposed AD is within 36 months from the effective
date of the proposed AD. IAI requested to delete the text ``before
further flight'' to allow corrective actions to be performed within the
36 months compliance time, and to allow separate schedules for
inspections and corrective actions.
The FAA agrees with this request for the reasons provided and has
revised paragraph (g) of this AD accordingly.
[[Page 44968]]
Clarification of Unsafe Condition Statement
The unsafe condition statement in the NPRM specified that the
unsafe condition, if not addressed, may affect the capability to drain
water or moisture collected in the first officer pitot-static tubing,
and may cause malfunction to the system; however, it did not specify an
end-level effect if the system malfunctioned. The malfunction to the
system could lead to an increased flight crew workload and possible
loss of control of the airplane. The FAA has revised the unsafe
condition statement in this final rule accordingly.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for
minor editorial changes, and any other changes described previously,
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will
increase the economic burden on any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Service Bulletin
368-34-106, dated August 2024. This material specifies procedures for a
visual inspection of the pitot static rigid tubes, P/N 233T9110-437 and
P/N 233T9110-314, and the flexible hoses, P/N BACH30BC06-0097 and P/N
BACH30BC05-0111, to determine whether low points exist, and related
investigative and corrective actions. The related investigative action
is a visual inspection for the installation of the provisions located
above the right miscellaneous electrical equipment panel (P37). The
corrective actions include replacement of the pitot and the static
system tubing connected to the right air data computer, including
installation of standoffs, rigid tubes, union fitting, elbow fitting,
and flexible hoses, and performing functional tests.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 88 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Up to 2 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 Up to $170................. Up to $14,960.
= Up to $170.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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11 work-hours x $85 per hour = $935... $600 $1,535
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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.
The FAA is 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
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:
2025-18-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-23132; Docket No.
[[Page 44969]]
FAA-2024-2662; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00448-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 23, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-300 series
airplanes, certificated in any category, that have been modified to
a special freighter configuration, in accordance with FAA
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST02040SE, and which are listed
in paragraph I.A., ``Effectivity,'' of Israel Aerospace Industries
Ltd., Service Bulletin 368-34-106, dated August 2024.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a discovery that certain pitot-static
tubing of the first officer's pitot-static system was installed
incorrectly in the main and mid equipment center during the airplane
conversion from passenger to freighter. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the incorrect installation of the pitot-static tubing of
the first officer's pitot-static system. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, may affect the capability to drain water or moisture
collected in the first officer pitot-static tubing, and may cause
malfunction to the system, leading to an increased flight crew
workload and possible loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
visual inspection of the pitot-static rigid tubes, part number (P/N)
233T9110-437 and P/N 233T9110-314, and the flexible hoses, P/N
BACH30BC06-0097 and P/N BACH30BC05-0111, at the locations specified
in the Accomplishment Instructions of Israel Aerospace Industries
Ltd., Service Bulletin 368-34-106, dated August 2024, to determine
whether low points exist, and do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.,
Service Bulletin 368-34-106, dated August 2024.
(h) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Validation Branch, 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (i) of this AD and email to:
[email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel
(CAAI); or the CAAI's authorized Designee. If approved by the CAAI
Designee, the approval must include the Designee's authorized
signature.
(i) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Joe Salameh,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone: 206-231-3536; email:
[email protected].
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Service Bulletin 368-34-
106, dated August 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. material identified in
this AD, contact Israel Aerospace Industries, Ltd., Ben-Gurion
International Airport, Israel 70100; telephone 972-39359826; email
[email protected].
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
Issued on September 3, 2025.
Paul R. Bernado,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-18085 Filed 9-17-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P