80 FR 12332 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 45 (March 9, 2015)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney Model JT9D or PW4000 engines. This AD was prompted by a report of several cases of low hydraulic pressure or loss of electrical power to the alternating current motor pump (ACMP) on the left engine. This AD requires inspecting for damage of the wiring bundles in the left engine's strut and corrective actions if necessary, and installing new wire support brackets and bundle clamps. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct chafed wire bundles due to rubbing against structure or a hydraulic piping elbow, which could result in electrical arcing in a flammable fluid leakage zone, and provide a possible ignition source for fuel vapors and hydraulic fluids. Ignited fuel vapors or hydraulic fluid in an area without a fire detection or suppression system could result in an uncontained engine strut fire and structural damage to the engine strut.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 45 (Monday, March 9, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12332-12335]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-03978]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0347; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-173-AD; 
Amendment 39-18109; AD 2015-04-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes equipped 
with Pratt & Whitney Model JT9D or PW4000 engines. This AD was prompted 
by a report of several cases of low hydraulic pressure or loss of 
electrical power to the alternating current motor pump (ACMP) on the 
left engine. This AD requires inspecting for damage of the wiring 
bundles in the left engine's strut and corrective actions if necessary, 
and installing new wire support brackets and bundle clamps. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct chafed wire bundles due to 
rubbing against structure or a hydraulic piping elbow, which could 
result in electrical arcing in a flammable fluid leakage zone, and 
provide a possible ignition source for fuel vapors and hydraulic 
fluids. Ignited fuel vapors or hydraulic fluid in an area without a 
fire detection or suppression system could result in an uncontained 
engine strut fire and structural damage to the engine strut.

DATES: This AD is effective April 13, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 13, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0347.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0347; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Philip Sheridan, Senior Aerospace 
Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
phone: 425-917-6441; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We 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 767-200 and -300 series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney 
Model JT9D or PW4000 engines. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on June 30, 2014 (79 FR 36680). The NPRM was prompted by a 
report of several cases of low hydraulic pressure or loss of electrical 
power to the ACMP on the left engine. The NPRM proposed to require 
inspecting for damage of the wiring bundles in the left engine's strut 
and corrective actions if necessary, and installing new wire support 
brackets and bundle clamps. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct chafed wire bundles due to rubbing against structure or a 
hydraulic piping elbow, which could result in electrical arcing in a 
flammable fluid leakage zone, and provide a possible ignition source 
for fuel vapors and hydraulic fluids. Ignited fuel vapors or hydraulic 
fluid in an area without a fire detection or suppression

[[Page 12333]]

system could result in an uncontained engine strut fire and structural 
damage to the engine strut.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (79 
FR 36680, June 30, 2014) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Include Airplanes Equipped With General Electric Engines

    Boeing requested that paragraphs (c), (g), and (h) of the proposed 
AD (79 FR 36680, June 30, 2014) be revised to include Model 767 
airplanes that are equipped with General Electric engines. Boeing 
stated that the identified unsafe condition for Model 767 airplanes 
equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines also exists on Model 767 
airplanes equipped with General Electric engines. Boeing also noted 
that it has issued Service Bulletins 767-29A0098 and 767-29A0100 to 
address the unsafe condition for the airplanes with General Electric 
Model CF6-80A or CF6-80C2 engines.
    We agree that a similar unsafe condition might exist for Model 767 
airplanes that are equipped with General Electric engines. We are 
evaluating the potential for this unsafe condition to exist on those 
airplanes and might consider further rulemaking for those airplanes. 
However, while we determine whether further rulemaking is appropriate 
for those airplanes with General Electric engines, we consider it 
appropriate to proceed with issuance of this AD for Model 767 airplanes 
equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines. We have not changed this AD in 
this regard.

Request To Clarify Certain Figures in Service Information

    United Airlines stated that it has no issues with the reason for 
the NPRM (79 FR 36680, June 30, 2014) or the proposed actions. However, 
United Airlines did have concerns about the clarity of some parts of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-29A0115, dated May 22, 2013.
     Figure 2 has an illustration that shows four wire bundles, 
but Step 1 of the figure only specifies three wire bundles to inspect. 
Another figure, Figure 3, also has the same illustration that shows 
four wire bundles, but Step 1 of Figure 3 specifies four wire bundles 
to inspect. It is unclear if the illustration or the Step 1 is 
incorrect.
     Step 1 in Figure 4 specifies removing two Hi-Loks and a 
bracket; then the Hi-Loks are re-installed in Step 4, which seems to 
indicate the bracket should be discarded. However, Figure 4 does not 
specify what to do with that bracket, which means it is not clear what 
the new Hi-loks would be retaining or if the other bracket that is 
apparently attached to the bulkhead web remains.
     Steps 2 and 3 of Figure 4 each specify to remove four 
bolts, but a note for Step 3 states ``do not remove valve mounting 
brackets.'' It seems the mounting brackets will fall free at that time 
and, if that is the case, the note should say ``retain brackets for 
reuse.''
     Figure 4 does not specify ``remove and discard'' for 
certain parts that are not re-used, especially those parts that are 
duplicated in the new parts kit.
    We agree that Figure 4 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-
29A0115, dated May 22, 2013, could be improved for clarity. However, 
Figure 4 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-29A0115, dated May 22, 
2013, was referenced by a step in the Accomplishment Instructions that 
was not labeled ``RC'' (required for compliance) and may be deviated 
from as specified in paragraph (j)(4) of this AD. We revised paragraph 
(j)(4) of this AD to specify that steps that are not marked ``RC'' may 
be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the 
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval 
of an alternative method of compliance (AMOC), provided the ``RC''-
marked steps can still be done and the airplane can be put back in a 
serviceable condition.
    Figure 3 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-29A0115, dated May 
22, 2013, is correct.
    Figure 2 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-29A0115, dated May 
22, 2013, was identified in a step labeled ``RC'' in the Accomplishment 
Instructions as a figure that must be done to comply with this AD. We 
agree that the illustration for Figure 2 is misleading with regard to 
the number of wire bundles that must be inspected. However, the title 
of Figure 2 clearly indicates the correct wire bundle numbers (three) 
and wire bundle identification (W290, W390, and W398) to inspect, and 
the number of wire bundles specified in Step 1 of the figure is also 
correct.
    FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 20-176A, ``Service Bulletins Related to 
Airworthiness Directives and Indicating FAA Approval on Service 
Documents,'' dated June 16, 2014 (http://rgl.faa.gov/
Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/0/
979ddd1479e1ec6f86257cfc0052d4e9/$FILE/AC%2020-176A.PDF), states that 
``To avoid subjective misinterpretation, the text in the accomplishment 
instructions must be the authoritative information.'' Therefore, we 
regard the text in Figure 2 to be more authoritative than the 
illustration for Figure 2.
    To clarify this information, we added a new Note 1 to paragraph (g) 
of this AD and renumbered a subsequent note accordingly. Note 1 to 
paragraph (g) of this AD clarifies that the illustration in Figure 2 of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-29A0115, dated May 22, 2013, shows 
four wire bundles, but the text in Figure 2 correctly identifies three 
wire bundles to be inspected. Following the text in Figure 2 will 
result in accomplishment of the appropriate actions; no approval of an 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) is needed to address this 
issue. We conclude that this will enable operators to successfully 
incorporate the service information.

Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions

    Aviation Partners Boeing stated that the installation of winglets 
per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01920SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/59027F43B9A7486E86257B1D006591EE?OpenDocument&Highlight=st01920se) does 
not affect the accomplishment of the manufacturer's service 
instructions.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (79 FR 36680, June 30, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 36680, June 30, 2014).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-29A0115, dated May 
22, 2013. The service information describes procedures for inspection 
of wire bundles and replacement of wire support bracket in the left 
engine strut. This service information is reasonably available; see 
ADDRESSES for ways to access this service information.
    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-29A0115, dated May 22, 2013, 
specifies concurrent or prior accomplishment of

[[Page 12334]]

Boeing Service Bulletin 767-29-0057, Revision 3, dated June 9, 2011, 
for modification of certain wire bundles. Boeing Service Bulletin 767-
29-0057, Revision 3, dated June 9, 2011, describes procedures for 
modifying certain wire bundles. This service information is reasonably 
available; see ADDRESSES for ways to access this service information.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 126 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and installation.........  13 work-hours x $85 per            $349           $1,454         $183,204
                                       hour = $1,105.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

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.
    We are 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

Adoption of 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 (AD):

2015-04-07 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18109; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0347; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-173-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 13, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-200 and -300 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with Pratt 
& Whitney Model JT9D or PW4000 engines, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 767-29A0115, dated May 22, 2013.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29, Hydraulic 
Power.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of several cases of low 
hydraulic pressure or loss of electrical power to the alternating 
current motor pump (ACMP) on the left engine. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct chafed wire bundles due to rubbing against 
structure or a hydraulic piping elbow, which could result in 
electrical arcing in a flammable fluid leakage zone, and provide a 
possible ignition source for fuel vapors and hydraulic fluids. 
Ignited fuel vapors or hydraulic fluid in an area without a fire 
detection or suppression system could result in an uncontained 
engine strut fire and structural damage to the engine strut.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection and Corrective Actions

    Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
detailed inspection for damage of the wiring bundles in the left 
engine's strut, and all applicable corrective actions; and install 
new wire support brackets and bundle clamps; in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-
29A0115, dated May 22, 2013. Do all applicable corrective actions 
before further flight.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: The illustration in Figure 2 
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-29A0115, dated May 22, 2013, 
shows four wire bundles, but the text in Figure 2 correctly 
identifies three wire bundles to be inspected. Following the text in 
Figure 2 will result in accomplishment of the appropriate actions; 
no approval of an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) is needed 
to address this issue.

(h) Prior or Concurrent Action

    For airplanes identified as Group 1 airplanes in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 767-29A0115, dated May 22, 2013: Prior to or 
concurrently with doing the actions required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD, do a modification of the wire bundles, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-29-
0057, Revision 3, dated June 9, 2011.

    Note 2 to paragraph (h) of this AD: For certain airplanes, 
paragraph (b) of AD 2004-16-12, Amendment 39-13768 (69 FR 51002, 
August 17, 2004), references Boeing Service Bulletin 767-29-0057, 
dated December 16, 1993; and Boeing Service Bulletin 767-29-0057, 
Revision 1, dated August 14, 2003; as concurrent requirements.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using any of the service information 
identified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Boeing Service Bulletin 767-29-0057, dated December 16, 
1993, which was incorporated by reference in AD 2000-19-09,

[[Page 12335]]

Amendment 39-11910 (65 FR 58641, October 2, 2000).
    (2) Boeing Service Bulletin 767-29-0057, Revision 1, dated 
August 14, 2003, which was incorporated by reference in AD 2004-16-
12, Amendment 39-13768 (69 FR 51002, August 17, 2004).
    (3) Boeing Service Bulletin 767-29-0057, Revision 2, dated 
September 24, 2009, which is not incorporated by reference in this 
AD.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization 
(ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make 
those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) If the service information contains steps that are labeled 
as RC (Required for Compliance), those steps must be done to comply 
with this AD; any steps that are not labeled as RC are recommended. 
Those steps that are 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 steps labeled as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back 
in a serviceable condition. Any substitutions or changes to steps 
labeled as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Philip Sheridan, 
Senior Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, 
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6441; fax: 425-917-6590; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 767-29A0115, dated May 22, 
2013.
    (ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 767-29-0057, Revision 3, dated June 
9, 2011.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 19, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-03978 Filed 3-6-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P