82 FR 4778 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 10 (January 17, 2017)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-300 and 767-300F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of malfunctions in the flight deck display units, which resulted in blanking, blurring, or loss of color on the display. This AD requires modification and installation of components in the main equipment center. For certain other airplanes this AD requires modification, replacement, and installation of flight deck air relief system (FDARS) components. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 17, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4778-4781]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-00115]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0797; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-007-AD; 
Amendment 39-18776; AD 2017-01-09]
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 767-300 and 767-300F series airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by reports of malfunctions in the flight deck display 
units, which resulted in blanking, blurring, or loss of color on the 
display. This AD requires modification and installation of components 
in the main equipment center. For certain other airplanes this AD 
requires modification, replacement, and installation of flight deck air 
relief system (FDARS) components. We are issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 21, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 21, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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; 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-2013-
0797.

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-2013-
0797; 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: Francis Smith, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Controls Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6596; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The 
Boeing Company Model 767-300 and 767-300F series airplanes. The SNPRM 
published in the Federal Register on May 27, 2016 (81 FR 33612) (``the 
SNPRM''). We preceded the SNPRM with a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) that published in the Federal Register on September 25, 2013 (78 
FR 58970) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM proposed to require modification and 
installation of components in the main equipment center. For certain 
other airplanes, the NPRM proposed to require modification, 
replacement, and installation of FDARS components. The NPRM was 
prompted by reports of malfunctions in the flight deck display units, 
which resulted in blanking, blurring, or loss of color on the display. 
The SNPRM proposed to revise the applicability, add certain 
modifications, and clarify certain requirements. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent malfunctions of the flight deck display units, which could 
affect the ability of the flight crew to read the displays for airplane 
attitude, altitude, or airspeed, and consequently reduce the ability of 
the flight crew to maintain control of the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the SNPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the SNPRM

    The Air Line Pilots Association, International supported the intent 
of the SNPRM.

Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Specified Actions

    Aviation Partners Boeing stated that the installation of winglets 
per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01920SE does not affect the 
accomplishment of the manufacturer's service instructions.
    We agree with the commenter that STC ST01920SE does not affect the 
accomplishment of the manufacturer's service instructions. Therefore, 
the installation of STC ST01920SE does not affect the ability to 
accomplish the actions required by this AD. We have not changed this 
final rule in this regard.

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 
SNPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed the following service information.
     Boeing Service Bulletin 767-21-0235, dated October 8, 
2009; and Revision 1, dated July 29, 2011 (``SB 767-21-0235, R1''). The 
service information describes procedures for a relay installation and 
related wiring changes (which change (modify) the 3-way valve control 
logic for the cooling system for the flight deck display equipment on 
freighter airplanes).

[[Page 4779]]

     Boeing Service Bulletin 767-21-0244, Revision 1, dated 
March 8, 2010 (``SB 767-27-0244, R1''). The service information 
describes procedures for changing (modifying) the 3-way valve control 
logic and installing a cooling system for the flight deck display 
equipment.
     Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-21A0245, Revision 2, 
dated September 27, 2013 (``ASB 767-21A0245, R2''); and Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 767-21A0247, Revision 1, dated April 9, 2013 (``ASB 
767-21A0247, R1''). The service information describes procedures for 
changing (modifying) the 3-way valve control logic and main cargo air 
distribution system (MCADS), and installing an FDARS. These documents 
are distinct since they apply to different airplane models.
     Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-21A0253, dated October 
12, 2012. The service information describes procedures for replacing 
the existing duct, installing an FDARS, changing (modifying) the 3-way 
valve control logic, and installing a new altitude switch and pitot 
tube.
     Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-21A0254, dated June 7, 
2013. The service information describes procedures for replacing the 
duct with a new duct; installing an FDARS (including the installation 
of mounting brackets, ducts, orifice, outlet valve, and screen); and 
activating the 3-way valve logic (including modification of the 
associated wiring and related actions).
     Boeing Service Bulletin 767-31-0073, dated October 12, 
1995. The service information describes procedures for installing a 
maintenance data selection system for the engine indication and crew 
alerting system.
    This service information 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

    We estimate that this AD affects 52 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-way valve control logic and     46 work-hours x     $21,865...........  $25,775...........  $1,185,650 (46
 MCADS change and FDARS            $85 per hour =                                              airplanes).
 installation (ASB 767-21A0247,    $3,910.
 R1).
3-way valve control logic and     64 work-hours x     $18,315...........  $23,755...........  $47,510 (2
 MCADS change and FDARS            $85 per hour =                                              airplanes).
 installation (ASB 767-21A0245,    $5,440.
 R2).
3-way valve logic change and      76 work-hours x     $55,663...........  $62,123...........  $248,492 (4
 installation of FDARS             $85 per hour =                                              airplanes).
 components (Boeing Alert          $6,460.
 Service Bulletin 767-21A0253,
 dated October 12, 2012).
Change (modify) the 3-way valve   33 work-hours x     $0................  $2,805............  $8,415 (3
 control logic change and          $85 per hour =                                              airplanes).
 installation of a flight deck     $2,805.
 display equipment cooling
 system (SB 767-27-0244, R1).
Relay installation and related    Up to 10 work-      Up to $955........  Up to $1,805......  Up to $88,445 (49
 wiring changes (Boeing Service    hours x $85 per                                             airplanes).
 Bulletin 767-21-0235, dated       hour = up to $850.
 October 8, 2009; or SB 767-21-
 0235, R1).
Activation of 3-way valve logic   51 work-hours x     $16,338...........  $20,673...........  (0 airplanes).
 change and installation of        $85 per hour =
 FDARS (Boeing Alert Service       $4,335.
 Bulletin 767-21A0254, dated
 June 7, 2013).
Installation of engine            Up to 13 work-      Up to $3,535......  Up to $4,640......  Up to $13,920 (3
 indication and crew alerting      hours x $85 per                                             airplanes).
 system maintenance data           hour = $1,105.
 selection system (Boeing
 Service Bulletin 767-31-0073,
 dated October 12, 1995).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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),

[[Page 4780]]

    (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):

2017-01-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18776; Docket No. FAA-
2013-0797; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-007-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective February 21, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-300 and 767-300F 
series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in the 
service information specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5) of 
this AD. This AD does not apply to The Boeing Company Model 767-300 
(passenger) series airplanes.
    (1) Boeing Service Bulletin 767-21-0244, Revision 1, dated March 
8, 2010 (``SB 767-27-0244, R1'').
    (2) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-21A0245, Revision 2, dated 
September 27, 2013 (``ASB 767-21A0245, R2'').
    (3) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-21A0247, Revision 1, dated 
April 9, 2013 (``ASB 767-21A0247, R1'').
    (4) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-21A0253, dated October 12, 
2012.
    (5) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-21A0254, dated June 7, 
2013.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21, Air 
Conditioning.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of malfunctions in the flight 
deck display units, which resulted in blanking, blurring, or loss of 
color on the display. We are issuing this AD to prevent malfunctions 
of the flight deck display units, which could affect the ability of 
the flight crew to read the displays for airplane attitude, 
altitude, or airspeed, and consequently reduce the ability of the 
flight crew to maintain control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Installation of Flight Deck Air Relief System (FDARS) and 3-Way 
Valve Logic Change or Activation

    (1) For Model 767-300F series airplanes, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 767-21A0253, dated October 12, 2012: Within 
72 months after the effective date of this AD, in the main equipment 
center and the area under the left and right sides of the flight 
deck floor, replace the existing duct with a new duct; install an 
FDARS (including the installation of mounting brackets, ducts, 
orifice, outlet valve, and screen); change the 3-way valve logic 
(including modification of the associated wiring and related 
actions); and install a new altitude switch and pitot tube; in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 767-21A0253, dated October 12, 2012.
    (2) For Model 767-300F series airplanes, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 767-21A0254, dated June 7, 2013: Within 72 
months after the effective date of this AD, in the main equipment 
center and the area under the left and right sides of the flight 
deck floor, replace the duct with a new duct; install an FDARS 
(including the installation of mounting brackets, ducts, orifice, 
outlet valve, and screen); and activate the 3-way valve logic 
(including modification of the associated wiring and related 
actions); in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-21A0254, dated June 7, 2013.

(h) Installation of FDARS and a 3-Way Valve Control Logic and Main 
Cargo Air Distribution System Change

    (1) For Model 767-300F series airplanes, as identified in ASB 
767-21A0245, R2: Within 72 months after the effective date of this 
AD, in the main equipment center and the area under the left and 
right sides of the flight deck floor, change (modify) the 3-way 
valve control logic and main cargo air distribution system (MCADS), 
and install an FDARS, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instruction of ASB 767-21A0245, R2, except as provided by paragraph 
(j) of this AD.
    (2) For Model 767-300F series airplanes, as identified in ASB 
767-21A0247, R1: Within 72 months after the effective date of this 
AD, change (modify) the 3-way valve control logic and MCADS, and 
install an FDARS, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of ASB 767-21A0247, R1.

(i) Installation of a Flight Deck Display Equipment Cooling System and 
a 3-Way Valve Logic Change

    For Model 767-300 series airplanes that have been converted by 
Boeing to Model 767-300BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter) airplanes, 
as identified in SB 767-27-0244, R1: Within 72 months after the 
effective date of this AD, change (modify) the 3-way valve control 
logic and install a flight deck display equipment cooling system, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of SB 767-27-0244, 
R1.

(j) Exception to Paragraph (h)(1) of this AD

    For Model 767-300F series airplanes, as identified in ASB 767-
21A0245, R2: If the 3 way valve control logic change (modification) 
specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-21-0235, dated October 8, 
2009; or Revision 1, dated July 29, 2011 (``SB 767-21-0235, R1''); 
is done prior to or concurrent with the actions required by 
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, operators need to do only the 
functional test, FDARS installation, and flex duct change, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ASB 767-21A0245, 
R2. Operators do not need to do the other actions specified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of ASB 767-21A0245, R2, if the actions 
in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-
21-0235, dated October 8, 2009; or SB 767-21-0235, R1; are done 
concurrently. If the functional test fails, before further flight, 
do corrective actions that are approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.

(k) Concurrent Requirements

    (1) For Groups 1 and 3 airplanes, as identified in ASB 767-
21A0245, R2: Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the 
requirements of paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, do the relay 
installation and related wiring changes specified in, and in 
accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 767-21-0235, dated October 8, 2009; or SB 767-21-0235, R1.
    (2) For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in ASB 767-21A0247, R1: 
Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the requirements of 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, do the relay installation and related 
wiring changes specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-21-0235, dated October 8, 2009; or SB 
767-21-0235, R1.
    (3) For Model 767-300 series airplanes that have been converted 
by Boeing to Model 767-300BCF airplanes, as identified in SB 767-27-
0244, R1: Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the 
requirements of paragraph (i) of this AD, do all the actions 
(installation) specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-31-0073, dated October 12, 1995.

(l) 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 (m) of this AD. 
Information may be

[[Page 4781]]

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, modification, or alteration 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. 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.

(m) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Francis Smith, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Controls Branch, 
ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6596; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

(n) 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 Service Bulletin 767-21-0235, dated October 8, 2009.
    (ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 767-21-0235, Revision 1, dated July 
29, 2011.
    (iii) Boeing Service Bulletin 767-21-0244, Revision 1, dated 
March 8, 2010.
    (iv) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-21A0245, Revision 2, 
dated September 27, 2013.
    (v) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-21A0247, Revision 1, dated 
April 9, 2013.
    (vi) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-21A0253, dated October 
12, 2012.
    (vii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-21A0254, dated June 7, 
2013.
    (viii) Boeing Service Bulletin 767-31-0073, dated October 12, 
1995.
    (3) For service information 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; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (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 December 30, 2016.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 2017-00115 Filed 1-13-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P