Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 148 (Tuesday, August 1, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46862-46864]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-19260]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-316-AD; Amendment 39-11754; AD 2000-11-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; correction.

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SUMMARY: This document corrects information in an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Boeing Model 767 
series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections to 
detect discrepancies of the wiring and surrounding Teflon sleeves of 
the fuel tank boost pumps and override/jettison pumps; replacement of 
the sleeves with new sleeves, for certain airplanes; and repair or 
replacement of the wiring and sleeves with new parts, as necessary. 
This document corrects the date for the relevant service information 
referenced in that AD. This correction is necessary to ensure that 
operators use the correct source of service information to accomplish 
the actions required by the existing AD, which are intended to ensure 
adequate protection from chafing for the fuel pump wire insulation.

DATES: Effective July 6, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of July 6, 2000 (65 FR 34928, June 1, 2000).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Holly Thorson, Aerospace Engineer,

[[Page 46863]]

Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-1357; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 23, 2000, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) issued AD 2000-11-06, amendment 39-11754 (65 FR 
34928, June 1, 2000), which applies to all Boeing Model 767 series 
airplanes. That AD requires repetitive inspections to detect 
discrepancies of the wiring and surrounding Teflon sleeves of the fuel 
tank boost pumps and override/jettison pumps; replacement of the 
sleeves with new sleeves, for certain airplanes; and repair or 
replacement of the wiring and sleeves with new parts, as necessary.
    That AD was prompted by reports of chafing of Teflon sleeves that 
surround and protect electrical wires inside conduits installed in the 
fuel tanks. The actions required by that AD are intended to ensure 
adequate protection to the fuel pump wire insulation. Such chafing of 
the wire insulation could eventually result in exposure of electrical 
conductor, permit arcing from the wire to the conduit, and create a 
potential for a fuel tank fire or explosion.

Need for the Correction

    Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA has determined that the AD 
cites an incorrect date for the referenced service information. The 
actions in that AD are required to be accomplished under Boeing Service 
Bulletin 767-28A0053, Revision 1. The AD references that bulletin as 
being dated April 1, 1999. The correct date for the service bulletin is 
August 5, 1999. While the footer on each page of Revision 1 of the 
service bulletin shows a date of April 1, 1999, the first page of the 
bulletin, as well as the ``Summary'' and ``Revision Transmittal 
Sheet,'' show a date of August 5, 1999. The manufacturer has informed 
the FAA that the correct date for the bulletin is August 5, 1999.
    A correction to AD 2000-11-06 is necessary. The correction will 
eliminate confusion for operators and ensure that operators use the 
correct source of service information to accomplish the actions 
required by the existing AD.

Correction of Publication

    This document corrects the error and correctly adds the AD as an 
amendment to Sec. 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
39.13).
    The AD is reprinted in its entirety for the convenience of affected 
operators. The effective date of the AD remains July 6, 2000.
    Since this action only clarifies the correct date for the service 
information referenced in the existing AD, it has no adverse economic 
impact and imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, the 
FAA has determined that notice and public procedures are unnecessary.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Correction

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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  [Corrected]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by correctly adding the following 
airworthiness directive (AD):

2000-11-06  Boeing: Amendment 39-11754. Docket 98-NM-316-AD.

    Applicability: All Model 767 series airplanes, certificated in 
any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (f) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent exposure of electrical conductor, which could permit 
arcing from the wire to the conduit and create a potential for a 
fuel tank fire or explosion, accomplish the following:

Inspections

    (a) Perform a detailed visual inspection to detect 
discrepancies--including the presence of splices, cuts, splits, 
holes, worn areas, and lacing ties installed on the outside of the 
sleeves (except at the sleeve ends)--of the Teflon sleeves 
surrounding the wiring of the fuel tank boost pumps and override/
jettison pumps, at the earlier of the times specified in paragraphs 
(a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Boeing Service 
Bulletin 767-28A0053, Revision 1, dated August 5, 1999. Repeat the 
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 60,000 flight hours 
or 30,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first.
    (1) Prior to the accumulation of 50,000 total flight hours, or 
within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later.
    (2) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and 
elaborate access procedures may be required.''

Corrective Actions

    (b) If any discrepancy is detected during any inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Prior to further flight, 
remove the Teflon sleeves and perform a detailed visual inspection 
to detect damage of the wiring, in accordance with paragraph D. of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-
28A0053, Revision 1, dated August 5, 1999.
    (1) If no damage to the wiring is detected, prior to further 
flight, install new Teflon sleeves in accordance with the service 
bulletin.
    (2) If any damage to the wiring is detected, prior to further 
flight, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (c) of this AD.
    (c) If any damage to the wiring is detected during any 
inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD: Prior to further 
flight, perform a detailed visual inspection to determine if the 
wiring damage was caused by arcing, in accordance with paragraph D. 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-
28A0053, Revision 1, dated August 5, 1999.
    (1) If the wire damage was not caused by arcing: Prior to 
further flight, repair any damaged wires or replace the wires with 
new or serviceable wires, as applicable, and install new Teflon 
sleeves; in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (2) If any damage caused by arcing is found: Prior to further 
flight, perform an inspection for signs of fuel inside the conduit 
or on the wires, in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (i) If no sign of fuel is found, accomplish the actions 
specified by paragraphs (c)(2)(i)(A), (c)(2)(i)(B), (c)(2)(i)(C), 
and (c)(2)(i)(D) of this AD.
    (A) Prior to further flight, repair the wires or replace the 
wires with new or serviceable wires, as applicable, in accordance 
with the service bulletin.
    (B) Prior to further flight, install new Teflon sleeves, in 
accordance with the service bulletin.
    (C) Repeat the inspection for signs of fuel inside the conduit 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours, until the 
requirements of paragraph (c)(2)(i)(D) of this

[[Page 46864]]

AD have been accomplished. If any fuel is found inside the conduit 
during any inspection required by this paragraph, prior to further 
flight, replace the conduit with a new or serviceable conduit in 
accordance with the service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the 
inspection specified in paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to 
exceed 60,000 flight hours or 30,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs 
first.
    (D) Within 6,000 flight hours or 18 months after the initial 
fuel inspection specified by paragraph (c)(2) of this AD, whichever 
occurs first, replace the conduit with a new or serviceable conduit, 
in accordance with the service bulletin. Such conduit replacement 
constitutes terminating action for the repetitive fuel inspections 
required by paragraph (c)(2)(i)(C) of this AD.
    (ii) If any fuel is found in the conduit or on any wire: Prior 
to further flight, replace the conduit with a new or serviceable 
conduit, replace damaged wires with new or serviceable wires, and 
install new Teflon sleeves; in accordance with the service bulletin. 
Thereafter, repeat the inspection specified in paragraph (a) of this 
AD at intervals not to exceed 60,000 flight hours or 30,000 flight 
cycles, whichever occurs first.

Pump Retest

    (d) For any wire bundle removed and reinstalled during any 
inspection required by this AD: Prior to further flight after such 
reinstallation, retest the fuel pump in accordance with paragraph 
G., H., I., or J., as applicable, of the Accomplishment 
Instructions, of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-28A0053, Revision 1, 
dated August 5, 1999.

Reporting Requirement

    (e) Submit a report of positive inspection findings (findings of 
discrepancies only), along with any damaged wiring and sleeves, to 
the Seattle Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO), 2500 
East Valley Road, Suite C-2, Renton, Washington 98055-4056; fax 
(425) 227-1159; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (e)(1) 
or (e)(2) of this AD. The report must include the airplane serial 
number; the number of total flight hours and flight cycles on the 
airplane; the location of the electrical cable on the airplane; and 
a statement indicating, if known, whether any wire has ever been 
removed and inspected during maintenance, along with the date (if 
known) of any such inspection. Information collection requirements 
contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been 
assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (1) For airplanes on which the initial inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD is accomplished after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after performing the 
initial inspection.
    (2) For airplanes on which the initial inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD has been accomplished prior to the 
effective date of this AD: Submit the report for the initial 
inspection within 10 days after the effective date of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Seattle ACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (h) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service 
Bulletin 767-28A0053, Revision 1, dated August 5, 1999. This 
incorporation by reference was approved previously by the Director 
of the Federal Register as of July 6, 2000 (65 FR 34928, June 1, 
2000). Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, 
P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Effective Date

    (i) The effective date of this amendment remains July 6, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 25, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-19260 Filed 7-31-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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