Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 168 (Wednesday, August 29, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45579-45581]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-21488]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-258-AD; Amendment 39-12419; AD 2001-17-28]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to all Boeing Model 767 series airplanes. This action 
requires a one-time inspection to detect abrasion damage and 
installation discrepancies of the wire bundles located below the P37 
panel, and corrective action, if necessary. This action is necessary to 
detect and correct such damage and other discrepancies, which could 
result in arcing to structure and consequent fire or loss of function 
of affected systems. This action is intended to address the identified 
unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective September 13, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 13, 2001.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before October 29, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-258-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2001-NM-258-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronics files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 
98124-2207. This information may be examined 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elias Natsiopoulos, Aerospace 
Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 227-1279; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received a report of a fire in a 
Boeing Model 767-300 series airplane during routine maintenance. As the 
maintenance crew attempted to apply external electrical power to the 
airplane, fire erupted in the forward electrical/electronics bay, below 
the P37 miscellaneous electrical equipment panel. The source of the 
fire was traced to chafing and subsequent arcing of power wires 
belonging to electrical power wire bundle W298, which is routed from 
the P32 R generator power panel to the P37 panel. A stringer and a web 
were severely damaged by the electrical arcing and had to be replaced. 
Some of the wires were severed, and the insulation blanket was burned. 
It was discovered that the routing of the bundle under the blanket 
violates wire bundle installation and routing requirements.
    An investigation and inspection of other Model 767 series airplanes 
in that operator's fleet revealed similar findings

[[Page 45580]]

at the same location, including chafed wires, loose or missing cable 
clamps, and other installation anomalies. The manufacturer has received 
no reports of similar incidents experienced by other operators of the 
affected airplanes.
    Abrasion damage and installation discrepancies of the wire bundles 
located below the P37 panel could result in arcing to structure and 
consequent fire or loss of function of affected systems.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 
767-24A0134 (for Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes) and 767-
24A0135 (for Model 767-400ER series airplanes), both dated March 15, 
2001. The alert service bulletins describe procedures for:
    <bullet> A one-time inspection to detect abrasion damage and 
installation discrepancies (including missing standoffs; missing, 
chafed, or loose cable clamps; chafed grommets; and wire bundles 
located beneath an insulation blanket) of the wire bundles W232, W298, 
and W2130; and the wiring and grommet at the S-29R intercostal 
penetration;
    <bullet> Repair or replacement of any damaged wires or worn 
components;
    <bullet> Installation of protective sleeving over the wire bundles; 
and
    <bullet> Relocation of the wiring support standoff on the S-29R 
intercostal to provide more rigid support and adequate clearance 
between the bundle and the structural edges.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert service 
bulletins is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe 
condition.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is 
being issued to detect and correct abrasion damage and installation 
discrepancies of the wire bundles located below the P37 panel, which 
could result in arcing to structure and consequent fire or loss of 
function of affected systems. This AD requires accomplishment of the 
actions specified in the alert service bulletins described previously, 
except as discussed below.

Differences Between AD and Alert Service Bulletins

    The alert service bulletins recommend accomplishment of the actions 
``at the earliest opportunity when parts, manpower and facilities are 
available.'' This AD requires compliance within 90 days. The FAA has 
determined that a 90-day compliance time represents the maximum 
interval of time allowable for affected airplanes to continue to safely 
operate before the required actions are accomplished. Maintenance 
schedules vary from operator to operator; therefore, the required 
compliance time will ensure that the actions will be accomplished 
during that maximum interval.
    In addition, the alert service bulletins identify airplanes having 
certain serial numbers in the effectivity. However, this AD is 
applicable to all Boeing Model 767 series airplanes to ensure that 
appropriate actions are taken to address the identified unsafe 
condition for the fleet.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for public 
comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making 
this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Submit comments using the following format:
    <bullet> Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
    <bullet> For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is 
being requested.
    <bullet> Include justification (e.g., reasons for data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket 2001-NM-258-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A Copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the 
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    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:


[[Page 45581]]


    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2001-17-28  Boeing: Amendment 39-12419. Docket 2001-NM-258-AD.
    Applicability: All Model 767 series airplanes, certificated in 
any category.

    Note 1: The 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 (b) 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 detect and correct abrasion damage and installation 
discrepancies of the wire bundles located below the P37 panel, which 
could result in arcing to structure and consequent fire or loss of 
function of affected systems, accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Do the 
actions required by paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this 
AD, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0134 
(for Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes) and 767-24A0135 (for 
Model 767-400ER series airplanes), both dated March 15, 2001.
    (1) Perform a one-time detailed visual inspection of the wire 
bundles located below the P37 panel to detect abrasion damage and 
wire installation discrepancies (including missing standoffs; 
missing, chafed, or loose cable clamps; chafed grommets; and wire 
bundles located beneath an insulation blanket). If any damage or 
other discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, perform 
corrective action in accordance with the applicable alert service 
bulletin.
    (2) Relocate the wire support standoff.
    (3) Install protective sleeving over the wire bundles.

    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.''

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) 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. 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 Patterns

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 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

    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 767-24A0134, dated March 15, 2001; or Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 767-24A0135, dated March 15, 2001; as applicable. 
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. 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

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on September 13, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 20, 2001.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-21488 Filed 8-28-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M

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