[Federal Register: September 29, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 188)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 58107-58109]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29se04-24]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-19202; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-95-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Boeing Model 757 series airplanes. This proposed AD would
require identification of the part number for the cable assembly for
the lower anti-collision light, and related investigative/corrective
actions if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of
damage caused by an electrical arc in a connector on the cable assembly
for the lower anti-collision light. We are proposing this AD to prevent
an electrical arc in the cable assembly for the lower anti-collision
light, which could result in a fire in a flammable leakage zone of the
airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 15,
2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web Site: Go to http: //dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide Rulemaking Web Site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
By Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, 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, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401,
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Technical information: Marcia Smith,
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-
150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 917-6484; fax (425)
917-6590.
Plain language information: Marcia Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19202;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-95-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You can review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
can visit http://dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.Examining
the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT street
address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
We have received a report of damage caused by an electrical arc in
a
[[Page 58108]]
connector on the cable assembly for the lower anti-collision light. The
connector was installed on a Boeing Model 757 series airplane.
Investigation revealed that the electrical arc was caused by fluids
that collected in the open back-shell of the connector. The fluids
conducted electricity between the pins in the connector, which caused
the electrical arc. The cable assembly is located in a flammable
leakage zone, in the main wheel well, under the center fuel tank. An
electrical arc in a flammable leakage zone may cause a fire. An
electrical arc in the cable assembly for the lower anti-collision light
could result in a fire in a flammable leakage zone of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 757-33A0048 (for
Model 757-200, -200CB, and -200PF series airplanes) and 757-33A0049
(for Model 757-300 series airplanes), both dated March 28, 2002. The
alert service bulletins describe procedures for the related
investigative/corrective actions if certain part numbers (P/Ns) for the
cable assembly for the lower anti-collision light are installed. The
corrective actions include replacing the cable assembly with a new,
improved cable assembly; or modifying the existing cable assembly. The
related investigative actions include testing the anti-collision light
after replacing or modifying the cable assembly. Accomplishing the
actions specified in the service information is intended to adequately
address the unsafe condition.
Both of the alert service bulletins refer to Grimes Service
Bulletin 60-3414-33-SB02, dated December 1, 2001, as an additional
source of service information for modifying the cable assembly.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which
would require identification of the P/N for the cable assembly for the
lower anti-collision light, and related investigative/corrective
actions if necessary. The proposed AD would require you to use the
service information described previously to perform these actions,
except as discussed under ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the
Service Information.''
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information
The alert service bulletins do not include an inspection or review
of airplane maintenance records to identify the P/N of the cable
assembly for the lower anti-collision light. This proposed AD would
require these actions. This requirement provides relief to operators
who do not have the specified P/Ns installed on their airplanes.
Operators who do not have the specified part numbers installed would
not be required to do an unnecessary replacement or modification.
The alert service bulletins do not provide a compliance time for
the replacement or modification of the cable assembly for the lower
anti-collision light. We have determined that a compliance time of
within 60 months after the effective date of the AD is appropriate. In
developing an appropriate compliance time, we considered the degree of
urgency associated with addressing the unsafe condition, the average
utilization of the affected fleet, and the time necessary to perform
the proposed actions. In light of these factors, we find that a 60-
month compliance time for completing the proposed actions is warranted
because it allows affected airplanes to continue to operate without
compromising safety. The manufacturer concurs with this compliance
time.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 974 airplanes worldwide, and
650 airplanes of U.S. registry. The following table provides the
estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD.
Estimated Costs
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Number of U.S.-
Action Work hours Average labor Parts Cost per registered Fleet cost
rate per hour airplane airplanes
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Inspection/Records Review................ 1 $65 None......................... $65 650 $42,250
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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. 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, 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 adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2004-19202; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
95-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by November 15, 2004.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability: (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 757-200, -
200PF, and -200CB series airplanes listed in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 757-33A0048, dated March 28, 2002; and Boeing Model 757-300
series airplanes listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-
33A0049, dated March 28, 2002; certificated in any category.
[[Page 58109]]
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report of damage caused by an
electrical arc in a connector on the cable assembly for the lower
anti-collision light. We are issuing this AD to prevent an
electrical arc in the cable assembly for the lower anti-collision
light, which could result in a fire in a flammable leakage zone of
the airplane.
Compliance: (e) You are responsible for having the actions
required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified,
unless the actions have already been done.
Identification of Cable Assembly Part Number (P/N)
(f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: Do an
inspection or a review of airplane maintenance records to identify
the P/N of the cable assembly for the lower anti-collision light. If
Boeing P/N S283T012-15 or Grimes P/N 60-3414-9 is identified, or if
the part number of the cable assembly cannot be positively
identified, do the related investigative and corrective actions
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
Related Investigative and Corrective Actions
(g) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD:
Replace the cable assembly for the lower anti-collision light with a
new, improved cable assembly, or modify the existing cable assembly;
and do the related investigative actions; in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-
33A0048 (for Model 757-200, 200CB, and 200PF series airplanes); or
757-33A0049 (for Model 757-300 series airplanes); both dated March
28, 2002; as applicable.
Parts Installation
(h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person can install a
cable assembly, Boeing P/N S283T012-15 or Grimes P/N 60-3414-9, in a
flammable leakage zone on any airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 21, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-21819 Filed 9-28-04; 8:45 am]
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