[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 194 (Thursday, October 7, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 61999-62002]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-25255]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0957; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-062-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 767 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 767 airplanes. The
existing AD currently requires, for certain airplanes, reworking the
bonding jumper assemblies on the drain tube assemblies of the slat
track housing of the wings. For certain other airplanes, the existing
AD requires repetitive inspections of the drain tube assemblies of the
slat track housing of the wings to find discrepancies, corrective
actions if necessary, and terminating action for the repetitive
inspections. This proposed AD would also require replacing the drain
tube assemblies. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would also
require installing an additional electrostatic bond path for the number
5 and 8 inboard slat track drain tube assemblies. For certain other
airplanes, this proposed AD would also require reworking the bonding
jumper assembly. This proposed AD would also revise the applicability
to include additional airplanes. This proposed AD results from reports
of fuel leaks from certain drain locations of the slat track housing
near the engine exhaust nozzles of the wings, which could result in a
fire when the airplane is stationary, or taxiing at low speed; reports
of a bonding jumper assembly of certain drain tubes that did not meet
bonding specifications and could result in electrostatic discharge and
an in-tank ignition source; and reports of fuel leaks onto the main
landing gear (MLG) as a result of a cracked drain tube at the number 5
or 8 slat track housing, which could let fuel drain from the main fuel
tanks into the dry bay area of the wings and onto hot MLG brakes and
result in a fire.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 22,
2010.
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:[sol][sol]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:[sol][sol]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: Douglas Bryant, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone
425-227-2384; 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-2010-0957;
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-062-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:[sol][sol]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 July 12, 2001, we issued AD 2001-14-19, amendment 39-12330 (66
FR 38350, July 24, 2001), for certain Boeing Model 767 airplanes. That
AD requires, for certain airplanes, reworking the bonding jumper
assemblies on the drain tube assemblies of the slat track housing of
the wings. For certain other airplanes, that AD requires repetitive
inspections of the drain tube assemblies of the slat track housing of
the wings to find discrepancies, corrective actions if necessary, and
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. That AD was
[[Page 62000]]
prompted by reports of fuel leaks from certain drain locations of the
slat track housing near the engine exhaust nozzles of the wings, which
could result in a fire when the airplane is stationary or during low
speed taxiing. That AD was also prompted by the discovery that the
bonding jumper assembly of certain drain tube assemblies installed
during production did not meet the current bonding specifications and
could result in electrostatic discharge and an in-tank ignition source.
Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2001-14-19, we have received reports of fuel
leaks onto the MLG of several airplanes due to a cracked drain tube at
the number 8 slat track housing. No fires have been reported. The
cracking was found on a rerouted drain tube with a flexible part.
(Installing this drain tube is described in Boeing Service Bulletin
767-57A0060, and is required by AD 2001-14-19.) An investigation by
Boeing revealed that the drain tubes with flexible parts cracked as a
result of a high intensity engine vibration--higher than the tube's
design permitted. In one case, maintenance personnel observed fuel
leakage from the pylon area after the airplane had landed.
Relevant Service Information
AD 2001-14-19 refers to Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57A0060,
Revision 1, dated December 31, 1998 (for Model 767-200, -300, and -300F
series airplanes), as the appropriate source of service information for
the repetitive inspections and terminating action. Boeing has issued
Service Bulletin 767-57A0060, Revision 2, dated January 31, 2002, to
include minor procedural changes. No additional work is necessary if
the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57A0060, dated
January 30, 1997; or Revision 1, dated December 31, 1998; were done.
AD 2001-14-19 refers to Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57-0068, dated
September 16, 1999 (for Model 767-300 and -300F series airplanes), as
the appropriate source of service information for reworking the bonding
jumper assemblies. Boeing has issued Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57-
0068, Revision 1, dated May 9, 2002, which corrects an error involving
the original bonding jumper ``A'' installation sequence. Because of
this error, this service bulletin specifies that additional work,
including new rework procedures, is necessary.
We also have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletins 767-57A0094 (for
Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes) and 767-57A0095 (for
Model 767-400ER series airplanes), both Revision 2, both dated December
17, 2009. These service bulletins describe procedures for replacing
drain tube assemblies that have flexible parts; the replacement
assemblies have new aluminum drain tubes without flexible parts.
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57A0094, Revision 2, dated December 17,
2009, specifies the prior or concurrent accomplishment, for certain
airplanes, of Boeing Service Bulletins 767-57A0060, Revision 2, dated
January 31, 2002; and 767-57-0068, Revision 1, dated May 9, 2002.
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 2001-14-19 and retain the requirements of that AD.
This proposed AD would also require accomplishing the new actions
specified in the service information described previously, except as
described below.
Difference Between Service Bulletin and Proposed AD
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57-0068, Revision 1, dated May 9, 2002,
specifies that the compliance time to rework the bonding jumper
assembly (required by paragraph (l) of this NPRM) is 48 months after
that date. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this
action, we considered the safety implications, parts availability, and
normal maintenance schedules for the timely accomplishment of the
modification. We also considered that this work, if not previously
accomplished as an AMOC to AD 2001-14-19, must be done concurrently
with the new requirements of this proposed AD.
Changes to Existing AD
This proposed AD would revise the applicability of AD 2001-14-19 by
adding line numbers 758 through 921, which were produced since that AD
was issued. Those airplanes had received a production change equivalent
to the actions required by the existing AD, and are now subject to the
identified unsafe condition.
This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2001-14-19.
Since that AD was issued, the AD format has been revised, and certain
paragraphs have been rearranged. As a result, the corresponding
paragraph identifiers have changed in this proposed AD, as listed in
the following table:
Revised Paragraph Identifiers
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Corresponding requirement in this
Requirement in AD 2001-14-19 proposed AD
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paragraph (a) paragraph (g)
paragraph (b) paragraph (h)
paragraph (c) paragraph (i)
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Costs of Compliance
There are about 808 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for
U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per hour.
Estimated Costs
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Number of
U.S.-
Action Work hours Parts Cost per airplane registered Fleet cost
airplanes
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Inspection (required by AD 1................ $0 $85 per 255 $21,675 per
2001-14-19). inspection cycle. inspection
cycle.
Drain tube replacement 12............... 5,236 $6,256........... 255 $1,595,280.
(required by AD 2001-14-19).
Bonding jumper assembly rework 4................ 322 $662............. 47 $31,114.
(required by AD 2001-14-19).
Drain tube replacement (new Between 7 and 11, 1,117 Between $1,712 356 Between $609,472
proposed action). depending on and $2,052. and $730,512.
configuration.
[[Page 62001]]
Installation of electrostatic 4................ 322 $662............. 47 $31,114.
bond path (new proposed
action).
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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
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 39-12330 (66 FR
38350, July 24, 2001) and adding the following new AD:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2010-0957; Directorate Identifier
2010-NM-062-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November
22, 2010.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2001-14-19, Amendment 39-12330.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes, as
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57A0094, Revision 2, dated
December 17, 2009.
(2) Model 767-400ER series airplanes, as identified in Boeing
Service Bulletin 767-57A0095, Revision 2, dated December 17, 2009.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD results from reports of fuel leaks from certain
drain locations of the slat track housing near the engine exhaust
nozzles of the wings, which could result in a fire when the airplane
is stationary, or taxiing at low speed; reports of a bonding jumper
assembly of certain drain tubes that did not meet bonding
specifications and could result in electrostatic discharge and an
in-tank ignition source; and reports of fuel leaks onto the main
landing gear (MLG) as a result of a cracked drain tube at the number
5 or 8 slat track housing, which could let fuel drain from the main
fuel tanks into the dry bay area of the wings and onto hot MLG
brakes and result in a fire.
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 2001-14-19, AMENDMENT 39-12330, With
Revised Service Information
Repetitive Inspections/Corrective Action
(g) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-
57A0060, Revision 1, dated December 31, 1998: Within 500 flight
hours after August 28, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2001-14-19),
do a general visual inspection of the drain tube assemblies of the
slat track housings of the wings to find discrepancies (loose
fittings, cracked tubes, fuel leaks), per Part I of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57A0060,
Revision 1, dated December 31, 1998; or Revision 2, dated January
31, 2002. After the effective date of this AD, only Revision 2 may
be used.
(1) If any discrepancies are found, before further flight,
rework the drain tube assembly per Part II of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57A0060, Revision 1,
dated December 31, 1998; or Revision 2, dated January 31, 2002.
After the effective date of this AD, only Revision 2 may be used.
Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours
until accomplishment of the requirements in paragraph (h) of this
AD.
(2) If no discrepancies are found, repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours, until
accomplishment of the requirements in paragraph (h) of this AD.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual
inspection is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or
exterior area, installation, or assembly to find obvious damage,
failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under
normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar
lighting, flashlight, or drop-light and may require removal or
opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may
be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''
Terminating Action for Repetitive Inspections
(h) For airplanes specified in paragraph (g) of this AD: Within
6,000 flight hours or 24
[[Page 62002]]
months after August 28, 2001, whichever occurs first, replace the
drain tube assemblies of the slat track housings of the wings
(including general visual inspection and repair) per Part III of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57A0060,
Revision 1, dated December 31, 1998; or Revision 2, dated January
31, 2002. After the effective date of this AD, only Revision 2 may
be used. Any applicable repair must be accomplished prior to further
flight. Accomplishment of this paragraph terminates the repetitive
inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
Rework of Bonding Jumper Assemblies
(i) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57-
0068, dated September 16, 1999: Within 5,000 flight cycles or 22
months after August 28, 2001, whichever occurs first, rework the
bonding jumper assembly of the drain tube assemblies of the slat
track housing of the wings (including general visual inspection and
repair) per the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 767-57-0068, dated September 16, 1999; or Revision 1, dated
May 9, 2002. After the effective date of this AD, only Revision 1
may be used. Any applicable repair must be accomplished prior to
further flight.
New Requirements of this AD
Drain Tube Replacement
(j) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD,
replace affected drain tube assemblies of the number 5 and number 8
inboard slat track housing, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57A0094 (for Model 767-
200, -300, and -300F series airplanes) or 767-57A0095 (for Model
767-400ER series airplanes), both Revision 2, both dated December
17, 2009.
Concurrent Requirements
(k) For airplanes in Groups 1, 2, and 3, as identified in Boeing
Service Bulletin 767-57A0094, Revision 2, dated December 17, 2009:
The actions specified in paragraphs (k)(1), (k)(2), and (k)(3) of
this AD, as applicable, must be done before or concurrently with the
requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD.
(1) For Groups 1 and 2: The requirements of paragraph (h) of
this AD.
(2) For Group 2 airplanes: Installation of an additional
electrostatic bond path for the number 5 and 8 inboard slat track
drain tube assemblies, in accordance with Part IV of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57A0060,
Revision 1, dated December 31, 1998; or Revision 2, dated January
31, 2002.
(3) For Group 3 airplanes: The requirements of paragraph (i) of
this AD.
(l) For airplanes identified in paragraph (i) of this AD, on
which the actions required by paragraph (i) of this AD were done
before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing
Service Bulletin 767-57-0068, dated September 16, 1999: Prior to or
concurrently with the requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD,
rework the bonding jumper assembly for the number 5 and 8 inboard
slat track housing drain tube installation, in accordance with Part
2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-
57-0068, Revision 1, dated May 9, 2002.
Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service
Information
(m) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with an applicable service bulletin identified in Table 1
of this AD are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding
requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD.
Table 1--Credit Service Bulletins
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Affected airplanes Service Bulletin Revision level Date
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Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series Boeing Service Bulletin Original............... June 2, 2005.
airplanes. 767-57A0094. 1...................... December 19, 2006.
Model 767-400ER series airplanes..... Boeing Service Bulletin Original............... June 2, 2005.
767-57A0095. 1...................... December 19, 2006.
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Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(n)(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: Douglas Bryant, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-
140S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2384; fax 425-917-6590. Information
may be e-mailed to [email protected].
(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office.
The AMOC approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
(3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2001-14-19,
Amendment 39-12330, are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding
provisions of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 1, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-25255 Filed 10-6-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P