Proposed Rule2022-08658
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
April 25, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of inoperative manual and alternate horizontal stabilizer trim switches. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for immersion of each limit switch and position transmitter module (LSPTM) and of the LSPTM electrical wiring, repetitive inspections for blockage of the drain holes and cleaning of each drain hole, repetitive inspections for loose or cracked leveling compound, and applicable on-condition actions. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would also require installing two new drain holes, performing repetitive inspections for blockage of the drain holes and cleaning each drain hole, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 79 (Monday, April 25, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 79 (Monday, April 25, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24276-24278]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-08658]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 79 / Monday, April 25, 2022 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 24276]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0458; Project Identifier AD-2021-00633-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company 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 all The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of inoperative manual and alternate horizontal
stabilizer trim switches. This proposed AD would require repetitive
inspections for immersion of each limit switch and position transmitter
module (LSPTM) and of the LSPTM electrical wiring, repetitive
inspections for blockage of the drain holes and cleaning of each drain
hole, repetitive inspections for loose or cracked leveling compound,
and applicable on-condition actions. For certain airplanes, this
proposed AD would also require installing two new drain holes,
performing repetitive inspections for blockage of the drain holes and
cleaning each drain hole, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA
is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 9,
2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, 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; internet <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>. You may
view this referenced service information 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 <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0458.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0458; 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 NPRM, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hassan Ibrahim, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3653; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9df5fceeeefcf3b3f0b3f4ffeffcf5f4f0ddfbfcfcb3faf2eb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3159504242505f1f5c1f5853435059585c715750501f565e47">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0458; Project Identifier
AD-2021-00633-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Hassan Ibrahim, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA,
Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone
and fax: 206-231-3653; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a9c1c8dadac8c787c487c0cbdbc8c1c0c4e9cfc8c887cec6df"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7911180a0a1817571457101b0b18111014391f1818571e160f">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary
that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will
be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of inoperative manual and
alternate horizontal stabilizer trim switches on the Boeing Model 767.
An investigation found that drain holes in the area aft of body station
(STA) 1725.5 were blocked and caused water to accumulate and eventually
submerge the three LSPTMs, which affected their function. Loose pieces
of leveling compound in the area were found detached and blocking the
drain holes. Collected water or ice could damage the LSPTMs and cause
stabilizer trim position sensors to generate corrupt or erroneous
signals to the flight crew. This condition, if not addressed, could
[[Page 24277]]
result in misleading or confusing flight deck indications, a high speed
overrun during takeoff, or a low altitude stall immediately after
takeoff.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-27A0240 RB,
dated January 19, 2021, which specifies procedures for repetitive
general visual inspections (GVIs) for immersion in water or ice of each
LSPTM and of the LSPTM electrical wiring, repetitive GVIs for blockage
of the three drain holes and cleaning of each drain hole, repetitive
GVIs for loose or cracked leveling compound, and applicable on-
condition actions. On-condition actions include removing any water or
ice, doing a detailed inspection for damage (corrosion or water damage)
of any immersed LSPTM or LSPTM electrical wiring, installing a
serviceable LSPTM, repairing or replacing any damaged LSPTM electrical
wiring, clearing any drain hole blockages, and repairing any loose or
cracked leveling compound.
The FAA also reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-
27A0243 RB, dated May 28, 2021. This service information specifies
procedures for installing two new drain holes, performing repetitive
GVIs for blockage of the five drain holes and cleaning each drain hole,
and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include
clearing any drain hole blockages.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require, for Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and
-400ER airplanes, accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information already described. For the airplanes identified in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-27A0243 RB, dated May 28, 2021, this
proposed AD would require the concurrent accomplishment of the actions
in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-27A0240 RB, dated January 19,
2021. For Model 767-2C airplanes, this proposed AD would require
inspections and applicable on-condition actions accomplished in
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO Branch,
FAA. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this
service information at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0458.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 613 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Drill drain holes................ 5 work-hours x $85 $2,770 $3,195............. Up to $1,958,535.
per hour = $425.
Repetitive GVI and cleaning of 5 2 work-hours x $85 0 170 per inspection Up to $104,210 per
drain holes. per hour = $170 cycle. inspection cycle.
per inspection
cycle.
Repetitive GVI of LSPTM.......... 1 work-hour x $85 0 85 per inspection 52,105 per
per hour = $85 per cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
Repetitive GVI of LSPTM 1 work-hour x $85 0 85 per inspection 52,105 per
electrical wiring. per hour = $85 per cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
Repetitive GVI and cleaning of 3 1 work-hour x $85 0 85 per inspection 52,105 per
drain holes. per hour = $85 per cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
Repetitive GVI of leveling 1 work-hour x $85 0 85 per inspection 52,105 per
compound. per hour = $85 per cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
inspections that would be required based on the results of the proposed
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need these inspections:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed inspection of LSPTM or LSPTM 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $0 $85
electrical wiring.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the other on-condition actions specified in this proposed
AD.
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
[[Page 24278]]
develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 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
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:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2022-0458; Project Identifier AD-
2021-00633-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by June 9, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, -
300F, -400ER, and -2C series airplanes, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
controls;
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of inoperative manual and
alternate horizontal stabilizer trim switches; an investigation
found that certain drain holes were blocked, causing water and ice
to collect and subsequently cover the limit switch and position
transmitter modules (LSPTMs), which affected their function. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address collected water or ice that could
damage the LSPTMs and cause stabilizer trim position sensors to
generate corrupt or erroneous signals to the flight crew. This
condition, if not addressed, could result in misleading or confusing
flight deck indications, a high speed overrun during takeoff, or a
low altitude stall immediately after takeoff.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For all Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER airplanes:
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable
times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 767-27A0240 RB, dated January 19, 2021, do all
applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
767-27A0240 RB, dated January 19, 2021.
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1): Guidance for accomplishing the
actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 767-27A0240, dated January 19, 2021, which is referred to
in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-27A0240 RB, dated January
19, 2021.
(2) For Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER airplanes, as
identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-27A0243, dated
May 28, 2021: Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD, at
the applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-27A0243, dated May 28, 2021,
do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
767-27A0243, dated May 28, 2021. Accomplishing the installation of
two new drain holes required by this paragraph terminates the
repetitive inspections of the drain holes required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD.
Note 2 to paragraph (g)(2): Guidance for accomplishing the
actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 767-27A0243, dated May 28, 2021, which is referred to in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-27A0243, dated May 28, 2021.
(3) For Model 767-2C airplanes: Within 90 days after the
effective date of this AD, inspect the LSPTMs, LSPTM electrical
wiring, drain holes, and leveling compound; install two new drain
holes as applicable; and do applicable on-condition actions in
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO
Branch, FAA.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-27A0243 RB,
dated May 28, 2021, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of the
Requirements Bulletin 767-27A0243 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the
effective date of this AD.''
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-27A0240 RB,
dated January 19, 2021, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of
the Requirements Bulletin 767-27A0240 RB,'' this AD requires using
``the effective date of this AD.''
(3) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-27A0243 RB,
dated May 28, 2021, specifies a compliance time for Action 1, for
this AD do Action 1 as specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO 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, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b0899df1fefd9de3d5d1c4c4dcd59df1f3ff9df1fdfff39de2d5c1c5d5c3c4c3f0d6d1d19ed7dfc6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ba8397fbf4f797e9dfdbceced6df97fbf9f597fbf7f5f997e8dfcbcfdfc9cec9fadcdbdb94ddd5cc">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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, Seattle
ACO 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) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Hassan Ibrahim,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax:
206-231-3653; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6f070e1c1c0e01410241060d1d0e0706022f090e0e41080019"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e58d849696848bcb88cb8c8797848d8c88a5838484cb828a93">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) For service information 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; internet <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>. You may view this referenced service
information 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.
Issued on April 7, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-08658 Filed 4-22-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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