03-13649. Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes, that currently requires a one-time inspection for missing bolts on the inboard and outboard support of the inboard main flap, and follow-on inspections and corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes that are subject to the existing AD, this amendment requires a new one-time inspection for gaps, a new one-time torque check for loose bolts, corrective actions if necessary, and eventual replacement of existing titanium bolts with steel bolts. These actions are necessary to detect missing, loose, or cracked bolts on the supports of the inboard main flap and prevent loss of the inboard main flap, which could result in loss of control of the airplane. These actions are intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES:

Effective July 8, 2003.

The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0176, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2002, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of August 27, 2002 (67 FR 52401, August 12, 2002).

ADDRESSES:

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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 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:

Suzanne Masterson, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone [phone]; fax [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 2002-22-07, amendment 39-12932 (67 FR 66043, October 30, 2002), which is applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on March 5, 2003 (68 FR 10412). The action proposed to continue to require a one-time inspection for missing bolts on the inboard and outboard support of the inboard main flap, and follow-on inspections and corrective actions, if necessary. The action also proposed to require, for certain airplanes that are subject to the existing AD, a new one-time inspection for gaps, a new one-time torque check for loose bolts, corrective actions if necessary, and eventual replacement of existing titanium bolts with steel bolts.

Comments

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the AD

On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's airworthiness directives system. The regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. Because we have now included this material in part 39, we no longer need to include it in each individual AD. However, for clarity and consistency in this final rule, we have retained the language of the NPRM regarding that material.

Cost Impact

There are approximately 821 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 374 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.

The initial inspection that is currently required by AD 2002-16-05 takes approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the currently required inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be $134,640, or $360 per airplane.

For an affected airplane, the new inspection for gaps that is required by this AD will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this required inspection is $60 per airplane.

For an affected airplane, the new torque test that is required by this AD will take approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this required torque test is $360 per airplane.

For an affected airplane, the replacement of bolts that is required by this AD will take approximately 10 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $1,880 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this required replacement is $2,480 per airplane.

The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions.

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.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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:

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

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-12932 ( 67 FR 66043, October 30, 2002), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-13175, to read as follows:

2003-11-16 Boeing: Amendment 39-13175. Docket 2002-NM-142-AD. Supersedes AD 2002-22-07, Amendment 39-12932.

Applicability: Model 767 series airplanes, including Model 767-400ER series airplanes, line numbers 1 through 879 inclusive, 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 (h)(1) 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 missing, loose, or cracked bolts on the inboard and outboard support of the inboard main flap and prevent loss of the inboard main flap, which could result in loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2002-22-07

Group 1 and 2 Airplanes: One-Time Inspection for Missing or Loose Bolts

(a) Within 90 days after August 27, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002-16-05, amendment 39-12844), do a one-time general visual inspection to determine if any bolt is missing from the outboard support of the inboard main flap, per Part 2 or Part 8, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0176, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2002. Group 1 airplanes may comply with the replacement specified in paragraph (g) of this AD in lieu of the inspection in this paragraph, provided that the replacement per paragraph (g) of this AD is accomplished within the compliance time specified in this paragraph.

Note 2:

For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”

(1) If no bolt is missing, before further flight, do a general visual inspection for a gap between the nut and surrounding structure or between shim and joint (which would indicate a loose bolt), per Part 2 or Part 8, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. If no bolt is missing and no gap is found, no further action is required by this paragraph.

(2) If any bolt is missing, before further flight, do paragraph (b) of this AD. In lieu of paragraph (b) of this AD, airplanes in Group 1 may comply with paragraph (g) of this AD.

Group 1 and 2 Airplanes: Missing Bolts or Gaps—Follow-On Actions

(b) For Group 1 or 2 airplanes as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0176, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2002: If any bolt is missing or any gap is found during the inspections per paragraph (a) or (f) of this AD, before further flight, remove all of the bolts in the subject area and replace them with new or serviceable bolts, per Figure 6, 7, or 8 of the service bulletin, as applicable. For any attachment hole where the bolt was missing, install a new or serviceable bolt made from the same material as the other bolts, per the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.

(1) An existing bolt may be reinstalled if a fluorescent dye penetrant inspection for cracking is done per Part 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, and the bolt is found to be free of any crack.

(2) Do not intermix BACB30MR*K* bolts with BACB30LE*K* or BACB30US*K* bolts in the joints subject to this AD.

Model 767-400ER Series Airplanes: Initial Inspection and Corrective Actions

(c) For Model 767-400ER series airplanes: Within 90 days after August 27, 2002, do a one-time general visual inspection to determine if any bolt is missing from the inboard and outboard support of the inboard main flap, and do a detailed inspection for a gap between the nut and surrounding structure or between shim and joint (which would indicate a loose bolt), per Figure 2 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0176, revision 1, dated June 6, 2002.

(1) If no bolt is missing and no gap is found: No further action is required by this paragraph.

(2) If any bolt is missing or any gap is found: Do paragraphs (c)(2)(i) and (c)(2)(ii) of this AD.

(i) Before further flight, repair per a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or per data meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings. For a repair method to be approved as required by this paragraph, the approval must specifically refer to this AD.

(ii) Within 10 days after the inspections: Submit a report of inspection findings to the Manager, Boeing Certificate Management Office, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 2500 East Valley Road, Suite C2, Renton, Washington 98055; fax [phone]. The report must include the airplane's serial number, the total number of flight cycles and flight hours on the airplane, the number and specific location of discrepant bolts, and the nature of the discrepancy (i.e., missing bolt or gap found). Information collection requirements contained in this AD 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.

Previously Accomplished Inspections and Bolt Replacements

(d) Inspections and bolt replacements accomplished before the effective date of this AD per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0176, dated November 16, 2001, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions required by this AD.

Group 1 and 2 Airplanes: One-Time Inspection for Missing or Loose Bolts

(e) Within 90 days after November 14, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002-22-07, amendment 39-12932): Do the one-time general visual inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD to determine if any bolt is missing from the inboard support of the inboard main flap, per Part 2 or Part 8, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0176, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2002. Group 1 airplanes may comply with the replacement specified in paragraph (g) of this AD in lieu of the inspection in this paragraph, provided that the replacement per paragraph (g) of this AD is accomplished within the compliance time specified in this paragraph.

New Requirements of This AD

Group 1 Airplanes: Follow-on Actions

(f) For Group 1 airplanes as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0176, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2002: If no bolt is missing and no gap is found during the inspections required by paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and (e) of this AD, prior to the accumulation of 5,000 total flight cycles, or within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later, perform a general visual inspection to find any gap between the nut and surrounding structure or between shim and joint (which would indicate a loose bolt), per Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.

(1) If no gap is found, before further flight, do a torque check per Part 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.

(i) If, during the torque check, the nut does not turn, remove the nut, clean the bolt and threads, and reinstall the nut per Part 4 and Figure 4 of the service bulletin. Do paragraph (g) of this AD at the time specified in that paragraph.

(ii) If the nut turns, do paragraph (b) of this AD. Then, do paragraph (g) of this AD at the time specified in that paragraph.

(2) If any gap is found, do paragraph (b) of this AD. Then, do paragraph (g) of this AD at the time specified in that paragraph.

Group 1 Airplanes: Replacement of Titanium Bolts

(g) For Group 1 airplanes as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0176, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2002: Prior to the accumulation of 10,000 total flight cycles, or within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later, replace all subject titanium bolts with new steel bolts per Part 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. This action is acceptable for compliance with paragraphs (a), (e), and (f) of this AD and eliminates the need for the inspections required by those paragraphs. This action is acceptable for compliance with paragraph (b) of this AD, provided that the replacement of bolts per this paragraph is accomplished at the time specified in paragraph (b) of this AD. Do not intermix BACB30MR*K* bolts with BACB30LE*K* or BACB30US*K* bolts in the joints subject to this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(h)(1) 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 ACO. 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.

(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in accordance with AD 2002-16-05, amendment 39-12844, and AD 2002-22-07, amendment 39-12932, are approved as alternative methods of compliance for the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c)(2)(i) of this AD.

(3) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in accordance with paragraph (c) of AD 2002-16-05, amendment 39-12844, and AD 2002-22-07, amendment 39-12932, are approved as alternative methods of compliance for the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

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

(i) 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

(j) Unless otherwise provided in this AD, the actions shall be done per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0176, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2002. This incorporation by reference was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of August 27, 2002 (67 FR 52401, August 12, 2002). 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

(k) This amendment becomes effective on July 8, 2003.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 27, 2003.

Vi L. Lipski,

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.