Proposed Rule2024-08550
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
April 23, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that some Model 767-300 series airplanes that had been converted into a freighter configuration are missing an electrical bracket for a wire bundle in the main equipment center. This proposed AD would require installing an electrical support bracket and re-installing wire bundles. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 79 (Tuesday, April 23, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 79 (Tuesday, April 23, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 30284-30286]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-08550]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-1005; Project Identifier AD-2022-00996-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 certain The Boeing Company Model 767-300 series airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report that some Model 767-300 series
airplanes that had been converted into a freighter configuration are
missing an electrical bracket for a wire bundle in the main equipment
center. This proposed AD would require installing an electrical support
bracket and re-installing wire bundles. 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 7,
2024.
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="http://regulations.gov">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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-1005; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> 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; website <a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">myboeingfleet.com</a>.
<bullet> You may view this 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="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-1005.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Samuel Dorsey, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3415; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8efdefe3fbebe2a0e4a0eae1fcfdebf7cee8efefa0e9e1f8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3744565a42525b195d1953584544524e7751565619505841">[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-2024-1005; Project Identifier
AD-2022-00996-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="http://regulations.gov">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
Samuel Dorsey, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St, Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3415; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#186b79756d7d743672367c776a6b7d61587e7979367f776e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7d0e1c1008181153175319120f0e18043d1b1c1c531a120b">[email protected]</span></a>.
Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
Background
The FAA has received a report that certain Model 767-300 series
airplanes that have been modified to operate in a freighter
configuration by the manufacturer (also referred to as a ``767-300
Boeing Converted Freighter'' or ``767-300BCF'') do not have the correct
airplane configuration necessary to comply with the requirements of AD
2020-18-16, Amendment 39-21237 (85 FR 62993, October 6, 2020) (AD 2020-
18-16). Specifically, these Model 767-300 series airplanes are missing
an electrical support bracket in the main equipment center, leading to
inadequate separation of a wire bundle that includes fuel quantity
indicating system (FQIS) wiring.
During the design of the replacement cargo floor beams for the
freighter conversion, although the bracket and attached wire support
clamps were a required design feature to protect the FQIS wiring, the
bracket and clamps were omitted from the design of the cargo floor
beams. When the passenger configuration floor beams were replaced with
the cargo configuration floor beams during modification, the bracket
was therefore removed but not replaced. In addition, on some airplanes,
clamps were installed around the relevant wire bundles but were not
attached to the missing bracket.
In either case, the wire bundles that were previously attached to
the bracket were left unsecured, affecting the wire separation
configuration requirements for the FQIS wiring as defined in the
airworthiness limitations (Critical
[[Page 30285]]
Design Configuration Control Limitation 28-AWL-09).
This condition, if not addressed, could result in an electrical
fault condition in the FQIS wiring, possibly creating an ignition
source in the center wing fuel tank. A failure to prevent possible
ignition sources in the fuel tank, in combination with flammable fuel
vapors, could result in an explosion and consequent loss of the
airplane.
AD 2020-18-16 applies to certain Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -
400ER series airplanes and requires modification of the FQIS to prevent
ignition sources inside the center fuel tank. Paragraph (h) of AD 2020-
18-16 contains optional alternative requirements for cargo airplanes.
The electrical support bracket required by this proposed AD is needed
for some Model 767-300 cargo airplanes to accomplish the service
bulletin required by the alternative actions in paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of
AD 2020-18-16. This proposed AD would restore the airplane to a
configuration where paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of AD 2020-18-16 may be
accomplished.
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 Service Bulletin 767-24A0261,
Revision 1, dated August 17, 2022. This service information specifies
procedures for installing an electrical support bracket in the main
equipment center and re-installing wire bundles. 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 accomplishing the actions identified
as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment Instructions
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0261, Revision 1, dated August
17, 2022, already described, except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. For information
on the procedures and compliance times, see this service information at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-1005.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 18 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Installation of bracket............. 3 work-hours x $85 per $93 $348 $6,264
hour = $255.
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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
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-2024-1005; Project Identifier AD-
2022-00996-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by June 7, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-300 series
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0261, Revision 1, dated August 17,
2022.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical
Power.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that some Model 767-300 series
airplanes that have been modified to operate in a freighter
configuration are missing an electrical bracket for a wire bundle in
the main equipment center, which affects wire separation
configuration requirements for fuel quantity indicating system
wiring and could result in an electrical fault condition. The FAA is
issuing this AD to prevent possible ignition sources in the fuel
tank due to an electrical fault, which, in combination with
flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and
consequent loss of the airplane.
[[Page 30286]]
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0261, Revision 1, dated August 17,
2022, do all applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required for
compliance) in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0261, Revision
1, dated August 17, 2022.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
Where the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 767-24A0261, Revision 1, dated August 17, 2022, refers to
the Revision 1 date of this service bulletin, this AD requires using
the effective date of this AD.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0261,
dated May 19, 2021.
(j) 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,
send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph
(k)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#10293d515e5d3d43757164647c753d51535f3d515d5f533d4275616575636463507671713e777f66"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="744d59353a3959271115000018115935373b5935393b37592611050111070007341215155a131b02">[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, 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.
(4) Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: For service
information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for
Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (ii) of
this AD apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and
identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Samuel Dorsey,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 206-231-3415; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6013010d15050c4e0a4e040f12130519200601014e070f16"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b1c2d0dcc4d4dd9fdb9fd5dec3c2d4c8f1d7d0d09fd6dec7">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0261, Revision 1, dated
August 17, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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; website <a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">myboeingfleet.com</a>.
(4) You may view this 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.
(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 <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b9dfcb97d0d7cac9dcdacdd0d6d7f9d7d8cbd897ded6cf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="accade82c5c2dfdcc9cfd8c5c3c2ecc2cddecd82cbc3da">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on April 17, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-08550 Filed 4-22-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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