[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 44 (Friday, March 6, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10956-10959]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-04466]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0741; Project Identifier AD-2025-00153-T;
Amendment 39-23270; AD 2026-04-10]
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 767-200, 767-300, 767-300F, and 767-
400ER airplanes. This AD was prompted by a heavy maintenance check that
found corrosion damage on a Model 767 satellite communications (SATCOM)
high gain antenna adapter plate. This AD requires repetitive detailed
inspections (DET) of the SATCOM high gain antenna adapter plate for
corrosion and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 10, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 10,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0741; 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, 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 Boeing material identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110 SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600;
telephone 562-797-1717; website myboeingfleet.com.
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-2025-0741.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stefanie Roesli, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3964; 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 767-200, 767-300, 767-300F, and 767-400ER airplanes. The
NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 29, 2025 (90 FR
17741). The NPRM was prompted by a heavy maintenance check that found
corrosion damage on a Model 767 SATCOM high gain antenna adapter plate.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitive DET of the SATCOM
high gain antenna adapter plate for corrosion and applicable on
condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent corrosion
damage of the SATCOM high gain antenna adapter plates, which could
result in parts departing the airplane (PDA). A PDA event of the SATCOM
high gain antenna system could damage the primary flight control
surfaces which may result in loss of continued safe flight and landing
of the airplane.
[[Page 10957]]
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), Boeing, and United Airlines, who supported the
NPRM without change.
In addition, the FAA received a comment from Delta Air Lines, Inc.
(Delta). The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Differentiate Between a Repaired Adapter Plate and an
Adapter Plate With No Damage
Delta requested that the FAA revise paragraph (h) of the proposed
AD to differentiate between a serviceable SATCOM adapter plate that has
been inspected for corrosion with no damage findings and a repaired
SATCOM adapter plate that has been inspected for corrosion and
applicable on-condition corrective actions have been done. Delta also
requested that the FAA add these specifications to the applicable table
conditions and increase the repeat inspection interval for serviceable
adapter plates to 96 months. Delta stated that the wording in note (b)
of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-23A0351 RB, dated January 23,
2025, does not differentiate between an adapter plate that may have
been repaired and one that has been inspected with no damage found and
suggested that an adapter plate with no damage should be treated the
same as a new adapter plate, with the repeat inspection interval for
serviceable adapter plates increased to 96 months to match that of a
new adapter plate.
The FAA does not agree with the request. The definition for a
serviceable SATCOM adapter plate in note (b) of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 767-23A0351 RB, dated January 23, 2025, addresses
both scenarios specified in Delta's comment. An adapter plate that has
been inspected for corrosion, with applicable on-condition corrective
actions performed, may have been repaired, and one that has been
inspected with no damage found is included as part of the ``applicable
on-condition corrective actions'' statement in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 767-23A0351 RB, dated January 23, 2025. The FAA
has not changed this AD in this regard.
Request To Verify Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM)
Delta requested that the FAA provide guidance on AMM 23-25-18 and
AMM 53-66-11, which are specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-
23A0351, dated January 23, 2025. Delta suggested that there might be an
error in the AMM numbers, since they are not located within the
original equipment manufacturer (OEM) AMM manual. Delta stated that it
does not have Boeing 767 AMM 23-25-18 and AMM 53-66-11 for antenna and
adapter plate remove/installation and therefore cannot determine if AMM
23-25-19 for antenna and adapter plate install/removal is comparable to
AMM 23-25-18 and AMM 53-66-11.
The FAA does not agree with the request. The FAA notes that the
work instructions specified are in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-
23A0351, dated January 23, 2025, not the mandated Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 767-23A00351 RB, dated January 23, 2025, and are
therefore outside the scope of this AD. In addition to containing the
same information that is required for compliance with the requirements
bulletin, the service bulletin provides additional guidance, including
references to accepted procedures for accomplishing the required
actions. Since the references to the AMM sections in the service
bulletin are ``referred to'' as additional guidance, operators are not
required to use these sections to accomplish the removal, repair or
replacement, and installation of the SATCOM high gain antenna adapter
plate. Operators may use the appropriate AMM sections to accomplish the
required actions. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.
Request for Corrosion Inhibiting Compounds (CIC) Application
Delta requested the FAA add an exception to paragraph (h) of the
proposed AD to allow the application of BMS3-26, BMS3-29, or equivalent
CIC to the adapter plate and increase the inspection intervals
accordingly. Delta noted that although this is a corrosion-related
issue, Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-23A0351 RB, dated January
23, 2025, does not recommend CIC application for corrosion. Delta
suggested that CIC application would improve the corrosion protection
of the plate and could therefore add time to the inspection intervals.
The FAA does not agree with the request. Substantiation would be
necessary to justify the use of CIC and an increase of the repeat
inspection interval. However, under the provisions of paragraph (i) of
this AD, the FAA will consider requests for approval of an alternative
method of compliance (AMOC) if sufficient data are submitted to
substantiate an acceptable level of safety. The FAA has not changed
this AD in this regard.
Additional Changes to This Final Rule
In the NPRM, the FAA inadvertently omitted the ``Effectivity''
paragraph and the ``Condition'' paragraph from the exception in
paragraph (h), Exceptions to Requirements Bulletin Specifications, of
the proposed AD. The FAA has revised paragraph (h) of this AD to
include these paragraphs in that exception.
Conclusion
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, 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 Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-23A0351 RB,
dated January 23, 2025. This material specifies procedures for
repetitive DET of the SATCOM high gain antenna adapter plate for
corrosion and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions
include repairing the SATCOM high gain antenna adapter plate or
replacing it with a new or serviceable SATCOM high gain antenna adapter
plate if any corrosion found is less than or equal to 0.005 inch in
depth; and replacing the SATCOM high gain antenna adapter plate with a
new or serviceable SATCOM high gain antenna adapter plate if any
corrosion found is greater than 0.005 inch in depth.
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 597 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 10958]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Detailed inspection.............. 11 work-hours x $85 $0 $935 per inspection $558,195 per
per hour = $935 per cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any repair or
replacement that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
airplanes that might need this repair or replacement:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Repair adapter plate......................... 5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 $425
$425.
Replace adapter plate........................ 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = 18,000 18,170
$170.
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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:
2026-04-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-23270; Docket No. FAA-
2025-0741; Project Identifier AD-2025-00153-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 10, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-200, 767-300,
767-300F, and 767-400ER airplanes, certificated in any category, as
identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-23A0351 RB,
dated January 23, 2025.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 23,
Communications.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a heavy maintenance check that found
corrosion damage on a Model 767 satellite communications (SATCOM)
high gain antenna adapter plate. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent corrosion damage of the SATCOM high gain antenna adapter
plates, which could result in parts departing the airplane (PDA). A
PDA event of the SATCOM high gain antenna system could damage the
primary flight control surfaces which may result in loss of
continued safe flight and landing of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-23A0351 RB, dated January 23, 2025,
do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-
23A0351 RB, dated January 23, 2025.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
767-23A0351, dated January 23, 2025, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-23A0351 RB, dated January 23, 2025.
(h) Exceptions to Requirements Bulletin Specifications
Where the ``Effectivity'' paragraph and the Condition and Boeing
Recommended Compliance Time columns of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-
23A0351 RB, dated January 23, 2025, refer to the original issue date
of Requirements Bulletin 767-23A0351 RB, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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 certification office,
[[Page 10959]]
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 responsible Flight Standards Office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD
if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, to make those
findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation,
or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Stefanie Roesli,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 206-231-3964; email: [email protected].
(2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by
reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (k)(3)
this AD.
(k) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-23A0351 RB, dated
January 23, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For the Boeing material identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; website myboeingfleet.com.
(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 February 19, 2026.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-04466 Filed 3-5-26; 8:45 am]
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