Rule2025-00371
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
January 10, 2025
Effective
February 14, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of several occurrences of a power transfer unit (PTU) control valve that failed to open when commanded. This AD requires installing new relays and changing certain wire bundles leading to the PTU control valve. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 6 (Friday, January 10, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 6 (Friday, January 10, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1850-1854]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-00371]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-0762; Project Identifier AD-2023-01194-T;
Amendment 39-22911; AD 2024-25-09]
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 757 airplanes. This AD was prompted by
reports of several occurrences of a power transfer unit (PTU) control
valve that failed to open when commanded. This AD requires installing
new relays and changing certain wire bundles leading to the PTU control
valve. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 14, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 14,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0762; 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:
<bullet> 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 <a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">myboeingfleet.com</a>.
<bullet> 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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0762.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Katherine Venegas, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 562-
627-5353; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#076c66736f62756e696229716269626066744761666629606871"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a2c9c3d6cac7d0cbccc78cd4c7ccc7c5c3d1e2c4c3c38cc5cdd4">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 757 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register
on
[[Page 1851]]
March 25, 2024 (89 FR 20565). The NPRM was prompted by reports of
several occurrences of a PTU control valve that failed to open when
commanded. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require installing new
relays and changing certain wire bundles leading to the PTU control
valve. The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of the PTU control
valve, which in conjunction with a loss of the left engine or engine-
driven pump (EDP) during takeoff, may result in a failure of the
landing gear to retract in a timely manner. This condition, if not
addressed, could add drag, affect climb gradient, and prevent the
airplane from clearing obstacles on takeoff. This condition can result
in loss of continued safe flight and landing.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from Aviation Partners Boeing
(APB), Boeing, Delta Air Lines (Delta), and United Parcel Service
Airlines (UPS Airlines). United Airlines (United) supported the NPRM
and also provided additional comments, as discussed below. The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions
APB stated that the installation of winglets per Supplemental Type
Certificate STC ST01518SE does not affect the accomplishment of the
manufacturer's service instructions.
The FAA agrees with the commenter that STC ST01518SE does not
affect the accomplishment of the manufacturer's service instructions.
Therefore, the installation of STC ST01518SE does not affect the
ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. The FAA has not
changed this AD in this regard.
Request To Revise Unsafe Condition Statement
Boeing requested two changes in the description of the unsafe
condition. One change is in the description of the state of the landing
gear retraction abilities from ``may result in a failure of the landing
gear to retract'' to ``may result in a failure of the landing gear to
retract in a timely manner.'' Boeing explained that the left hydraulic
system's electric motor pump would still function, but has a smaller
output capacity that results in being unable to retract the landing
gear in the time required to clear obstacles. The other requested
change is to clarify what conditions lead up to the slowed retraction
of the landing gear. Boeing explained that loss of either the left
engine or the EDP would lead to use of the electric motor pump and
requested that the related phrase ``left engine and engine driven pump
(EDP)'' be changed to ``left engine and/or engine driven pump (EDP).''
The FAA agrees to revise the unsafe condition statement. The
revisions provide a more accurate description of the unsafe condition
and of what conditions lead up to a slow retraction of the landing
gear. However, the FAA has revised ``left engine and engine driven pump
(EDP)'' to ``left engine or engine-driven pump (EDP)'' instead of using
``and/or.'' Although both failure conditions can occur, only one of the
conditions is necessary to affect the landing gear retraction. The FAA
has revised the Background section of this final rule and paragraph (e)
of this AD accordingly.
Requests To Revise AD To Address Missing Information in Service
Information
Boeing stated that additional engineering definition for wire
routing is necessary for a group of airplanes identified in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 757-29A0071, dated November 16, 2023, and Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 75-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023, and
that the service bulletin and requirements bulletin will be revised.
Delta and United requested that paragraph (h) of the proposed AD be
revised to add an exception to address the errors in the wire routing
definition for the airplanes identified as Group 3 airplanes in Boeing
Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023
(Group 3 airplanes). United also proposed that paragraph (g) of the
proposed AD be revised to incorporate Revision 1 of Boeing Alert
Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, if it is created prior to the
release of this AD. Both Delta and United noted that Boeing published
Information Notice 757-29A0071 IN 01 to inform operators of issues with
work instructions for the Group 3 airplanes and advised to stop work on
those airplanes until new service information is published. United also
reasoned that the requested revision would help United and other
operators of Group 3 airplanes avoid applying for an AMOC when the
final rule is issued.
The FAA agrees with the need to provide additional definition for
wire routing that affects Group 3 airplanes because those airplanes
would be unable to comply with the instructions provided in Boeing
Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023.
However, the FAA does not agree to revise the AD to reference Revision
1 of Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, or to add an
exception to address the errors in the instructions for Group 3
airplanes. A later revision of Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-
29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023, has not been issued and the
publication date is yet to be determined. To delay this action until
the revised service information is published would be inappropriate
since the FAA has determined that an unsafe condition exists and that
the actions must be conducted on the other affected groups of airplanes
to ensure continued safety. Operators may apply for approval to use
later revisions as an alternative method of compliance with this AD
under the provisions of paragraph (i) of this AD. The FAA has not
changed this AD in this regard.
Request To Add an Exception To Allow Alternative Positions for
Connectors
Delta requested that paragraph (h) of the proposed AD be revised to
add an exception that would allow the use of available connector
positions on panels and disconnects other than the ones defined in
Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16,
2023. Delta explained that the figures in Boeing Alert Requirement
Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023, are specific in
defining positions within the panels and disconnects where the
connectors will be installed. Delta also stated that the specific
location of the connector installation and disconnects in the panel are
not necessary for the function of the system. Delta reasoned that
allowing operators to install the connectors in alternative available
positions would be acceptable for compliance with the proposed AD while
also giving operators flexibility in addressing variations in each
airplane's existing wiring.
The FAA agrees that using only the defined positions within the
panels and disconnect brackets for the new connectors to be installed
is not necessary to address the unsafe condition, and that allowing
alternatives would provide flexibility in complying with the
requirements of this AD on airplanes that might have different wiring
configurations. The action to perform the operational test verifies the
functionality of the system and will
[[Page 1852]]
continue to be required. The FAA has added an exception to paragraph
(h) of this AD to allow for installing connectors in alternative
available positions on panels and disconnect brackets than those
defined in Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated
November 16, 2023.
Request To Allow Use of Other Kit Materials
Delta requested a revision to paragraph (h) of the proposed AD to
add an exception that would allow the use of operator-supplied
materials that are the same as the Boeing-supplied materials in the
parts kit specified in Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071
RB, dated November 16, 2023. Delta explained that Boeing kits expire
within 3 months because of a limitation on the placard (decal) adhesive
and opined that operators should have the ability to supply the same
decal if the Boeing-supplied decal expires before use. In addition,
Delta also reasoned that operators should be able to supply their own
materials if Boeing-supplied kits are not available in time to avoid
delays in compliance with the proposed AD.
The FAA does not agree to revise this AD regarding this request.
The Boeing-supplied kits are specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
757-29A0071, dated November 16, 2023, which is not required by this AD.
This AD requires Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB,
dated November 16, 2023, which identifies parts that are required for
compliance. This AD does not require procuring the Boeing-supplied kits
that are specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-29A0071, dated
November 16, 2023. No revision to this AD is necessary in this regard.
Request To Extend Compliance Time Due to Parts Availability
UPS Airlines requested a revision to paragraph (h) of the proposed
AD to add an exception to a compliance time identified in Boeing Alert
Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023. This
requested exception would extend the calendar time limit from the
proposed 30 months after the effective date of the AD to 36 months
after the effective date of the AD. UPS Airlines explained that the
availability of the Boeing-supplied parts kit could affect the ability
to comply with the proposed compliance times. UPS Airlines stated that
there are only 15 of the Boeing-supplied kits in stock as of the date
of the NPRM, with an anticipated lead time of 175 to 352 days if all 15
kits are purchased and the inventory depleted. UPS Airlines added that
they have 429 airplanes in a configuration group that would require the
same part kit.
The FAA does not agree to revise the AD regarding this issue. As
explained in the previous comment, the Boeing-supplied kits are not
part of the requirements of Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-
29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023, and are specified in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 757-29A0071, dated November 16, 2023, thus operators
may procure the parts from their supplies without an AMOC or revision
to this AD. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this
action, the FAA considered the recommendations of the manufacturer, the
urgency associated with the subject unsafe condition, the availability
of required parts, and the practical aspect of accomplishing the
required modification within a period of time that corresponds to the
normal scheduled maintenance for most affected operators. In
consideration of these items, the FAA has determined that the
compliance time of 30 months or 2,760 flight hours after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, will ensure an acceptable
level of safety. However, under the provisions of paragraph (i) of this
AD, the FAA will consider requests for approval of an extension of the
compliance time if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that
new compliance times would provide an acceptable level of safety.
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, and
any other changes described previously, 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 757-29A0071 RB,
dated November 16, 2023. This material specifies procedures for
changing the wire bundle from circuit breaker C4054 to the P33 panel,
installing new relays in the P33 panel, and changing wire bundles to
the PTU control valve. 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 467 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Installations, changes, and tests.. 45 work-hours x $85 per $3,260 $7,085 $3,308,695
hour = $3,825.
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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.
[[Page 1853]]
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:
2024-25-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22911; Docket No. FAA-
2024-0762; Project Identifier AD-2023-01194-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 14,
2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200PF, -
200CB, and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category, and
identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB,
dated November 16, 2023.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29, Hydraulic
power.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of several occurrences of a
power transfer unit (PTU) control valve that failed to open when
commanded. The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of the PTU
control valve, which, in conjunction with a loss of the left engine
or engine-driven pump (EDP) during takeoff, may result in a failure
of the landing gear to retract in a timely manner. This condition,
if not addressed, could add additional drag, affect climb gradient,
and prevent the ability to clear obstacles on takeoff. This
condition can result in loss of continued safe flight and landing.
(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 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023,
do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
757-29A0071, dated November 16, 2023, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where the Compliance Time column of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-
29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023, uses the phrase ``the Original
Issue date of Requirements Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB,'' this AD
requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the figures in the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November
16, 2023, specify certain positions on the P33 panel and disconnect
bracket AD0880 or AD0881 for installing the connectors, this AD
allows any open position on the P33 panel or disconnect bracket
AD0880 or AD0881 for installing the connectors.
(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,
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#3c7d71737f7c5a5d5d125b534a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d89995979b98beb9b9f6bfb7ae">[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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Katherine
Venegas, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 562-627-5353; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bdd6dcc9d5d8cfd4d3d893cbd8d3d8dadccefddbdcdc93dad2cb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ef848e9b878a9d86818ac1998a818a888e9caf898e8ec1888099">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 (IBR) 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 757-29A0071 RB, dated
November 16, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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 <a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">myboeingfleet.com</a>.
(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 <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#8ee8fca0e7e0fdfeebedfae7e1e0cee0effcefa0e9e1f8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fc9a8ed295928f8c999f88959392bc929d8e9dd29b938a">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 1854]]
Issued on January 6, 2025.
Suzanne Masterson,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-00371 Filed 1-8-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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