Rule2026-19083
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
September 17, 2026
Effective
October 22, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-300F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a supplier notice of escapement documenting that some titanium cargo track crown fittings had suspect material certifications. This AD requires an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer inspection to identify the material composition of the cargo track crown fittings or replacement of all cargo track crown fittings with new cargo track crown fittings, and applicable on- condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 179 (Thursday, September 17, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 179 (Thursday, September 17, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58807-58809]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-19083]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 179 / Thursday, September 17, 2026 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 58807]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-1329; Project Identifier AD-2025-01626-T;
Amendment 39-23463; AD 2026-18-08]
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 767-300F series airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a report of a supplier notice of escapement documenting
that some titanium cargo track crown fittings had suspect material
certifications. This AD requires an X-ray fluorescence (XRF)
spectrometer inspection to identify the material composition of the
cargo track crown fittings or replacement of all cargo track crown
fittings with new cargo track crown fittings, and applicable on-
condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 22, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 22,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-1329; 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-2026-1329.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Taylor Stanley, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 407-
852-7677; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#413520382d2e336f3235202f2d2438012720206f262e37"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d4a0b5adb8bba6faa7a0b5bab8b1ad94b2b5b5fab3bba2">[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 767-300F series airplanes. The NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on February 17, 2026 (91 FR 7180). The NPRM was
prompted by a report of a supplier notice of escapement documenting
that some titanium cargo track crown fittings had suspect material
certifications. The supplier did not have correct material records to
make sure that type design specified material was used. In the NPRM,
the FAA proposed to require an XRF spectrometer inspection to identify
the material composition of the cargo track crown fittings or
replacement of all cargo track crown fittings with new cargo track
crown fittings, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address suspect material certifications on the titanium
track crown fittings. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in cargo track failure and could lead to uncommanded movement of
the cargo pallet and subsequent damage to critical systems located in
the sidewall or ceiling area of the main cargo compartment, along with
inability of a principle structural element to sustain limit loads,
which could significantly affect controllability of the airplane.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from Boeing, FedEx Express (FedEx), and
Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), who supported the
NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from Aviation Partners Boeing
(APB) and The Foundation for Aviation Safety. 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
Aviation Partners Boeing stated that accomplishing Supplemental
Type Certificate (STC) ST01920SE does not affect the actions specified
in the proposed AD.
The FAA concurs with the commenter. The FAA has redesignated
paragraph (c) of the proposed AD as paragraph (c)(1) of this AD and
added paragraph (c)(2) to this AD to state that installation of STC
ST01920SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01920SE is
installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
Request To Identify the Root Cause and Preventive Action for Supply
Chain Error
The Foundation for Aviation Safety requested that the FAA identify
the root cause of the supply chain error, explain how it was discovered
and why the original process was not effective in identifying erroneous
materials, and clarify the preventive measures to ensure that the error
does not happen again.
The FAA acknowledges the commenter's concerns. However, the
questions provided are general in nature and are not specific to the
unsafe condition addressed in this AD. Broader concerns regarding
supply chain errors are outside the scope of this AD. The FAA refers
the commentor to the ``Background'' paragraph for additional
[[Page 58808]]
information on the discovery of the supply chain error. The FAA did not
change this AD as a result of this comment.
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 767-53A0337 RB,
dated October 17, 2025. This material specifies procedures for an XRF
spectrometer inspection to identify the material composition of the
cargo track crown fittings and applicable on-condition actions. On-
condition actions include replacing each affected cargo track crown
fitting with a new cargo track crown fitting having Ti-6AI-4V alloy
material. This material also specifies, as an option, procedures for
replacement of all cargo track crown fittings with new cargo track
crown fittings having Ti-6AI-4V alloy material.
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 43 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product Cost on U.S. operators
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Replace all Cargo Track Crown 156 work-hours x $85 $63,540 $76,800 Up to $3,302,400.
Fittings with new Cargo Track per hour = $13,260.
Crown Fittings.
XRF Spectrometer Inspection........ 92 work-hours x $85 0 7,820 Up to $336,260.
per hour = $7,820.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replacement of Cargo Track Crown Up to 156 work-hours x Up to $63,540........... Up to $76,800.
Fittings. $85 per hour = $13,260.
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact
on affected operators.
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
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:
2026-18-08 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-23463; Docket No. FAA-
2026-1329; Project Identifier AD-2025-01626-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 22, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-300F series
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0337 RB, dated October 17, 2025.
[[Page 58809]]
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST01920SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01920SE
is installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with
the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a supplier notice of
escapement documenting that some titanium cargo track crown fittings
had suspect material certifications. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address suspect material certifications on the titanium track crown
fittings. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
cargo track failure and could lead to uncommanded movement of the
cargo pallet and subsequent damage to critical systems located in
the sidewall or ceiling area of the main cargo compartment, along
with inability of a principle structural element to sustain limit
loads, which could significantly affect controllability of the
airplane.
(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 767-53A0337 RB, dated October 17, 2025,
do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
767-53A0337 RB, dated October 17, 2025.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
767-53A0337, dated October 17, 2025, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0337 RB, dated October 17, 2025.
(h) Exceptions to Requirements Bulletin Specifications
Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-
53A0337 RB, dated October 17, 2025, refer to the original issue date
of Requirements Bulletin 767-53A0337 RB, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(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 Continued Operational
Safety Branch, 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#8bcac6c4c8cbedeaeaa5ece4fd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c2838f8d8182a4a3a3eca5adb4">[email protected]</span></a>. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) 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) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Taylor Stanley,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 407-852-7677; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6317021a0f0c114d1017020d0f061a230502024d040c15"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4632273f2a293468353227282a233f0620272768212930">[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)
of this AD.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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 767-53A0337 RB, dated
October 17, 2025.
(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#88eefaa6e1e6fbf8edebfce1e7e6c8e6e9fae9a6efe7fe"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4127336f282f3231242235282e2f012f2033206f262e37">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 2, 2026.
Brian Knaup,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-19083 Filed 9-16-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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