97-17285. Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 127 (Wednesday, July 2, 1997)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 35711-35713]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-17285]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 97-NM-39-AD]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
    
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    SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
    airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 
    series airplanes, that currently requires an inspection to detect 
    damage of the wire bundles in the left side of the flight compartment 
    in the vicinity of the stowage box for the captain's oxygen mask, and 
    repair, if necessary; a continuity check on repaired wires; 
    installation of sleeving over the wire bundles; and rerouting of
    
    [[Page 35712]]
    
    the wire bundles. This action would require modifications of the 
    captain's and first officer's consoles in the flight compartment to 
    ensure adequate clearance between oxygen equipment and adjacent wire 
    bundles. This proposal is prompted by reports indicating that chafed 
    wiring and wire insulation wear occurred in the vicinity of the stowage 
    box for the captain's oxygen mask due to interference between oxygen 
    line fittings and adjacent wire bundles. The actions specified by the 
    proposed AD are intended to prevent such chafing and inadequate 
    clearance, which could result in electrical arcing and consequent 
    oxygen leakage in the vicinity of the stowage box; these conditions, if 
    not corrected, could result in a fire in the flight compartment.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received by August 11, 1997.
    
    ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
    Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
    Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-39-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.
        The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Letcher, Aerospace Engineer, 
    Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
    Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; 
    telephone (425) 227-2670; fax (425) 227-1181.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Comments Invited
    
        Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
    proposed 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 above. All 
    communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
    specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
    proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
    light of the comments received.
        Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
    economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
    the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
        Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
    submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
    stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
    to Docket Number 97-NM-39-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
    returned to the commenter.
    
    Availability of NPRMs
    
        Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
    to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules 
    Docket No. 97-NM-39-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
    98055-4056.
    
    Discussion
    
        On October 2, 1995, the FAA issued AD 95-21-05, amendment 39-9390 
    (60 FR 52844, October 11, 1995), applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 
    airplanes, to require a one-time inspection to detect damage of the 
    wire bundles in the left side of the flight compartment in the vicinity 
    of the stowage box for the captain's oxygen mask, and repair, if 
    necessary; a continuity check on repaired wires; installation of 
    sleeving over the wire bundles; and rerouting of the wire bundles. That 
    action was prompted by reports of chafed wiring and minimal clearance 
    between the oxygen connector and the adjacent wire bundles in the 
    vicinity of the stowage box for the captain's oxygen mask. The 
    requirements of that AD are intended to prevent such chafing and 
    inadequate clearance, which could result in electrical arcing and 
    consequent oxygen leakage in the vicinity of the stowage box; these 
    conditions, if not corrected, could result in a fire in the flight 
    compartment.
    
    Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule
    
        In the preamble to AD 95-21-05, the FAA indicated that the actions 
    required by that AD were considered ``interim action'' and that further 
    rulemaking action was being considered. The FAA now has determined that 
    further rulemaking action is indeed necessary, and this AD follows from 
    that determination.
        Additionally, since the issuance of that AD, a number of reports 
    have been received that indicate interference between oxygen line 
    fittings on the stowage box for the captain's oxygen mask and adjacent 
    wire bundles. This condition, if not corrected, could cause wires on 
    the oxygen line fittings to chafe, which could lead to possible 
    electrical arcing with the fitting, a hole in the fitting, and an 
    oxygen leak; and result in an uncontrolled fire in the flight 
    compartment.
    
    Explanation of Relevant Service Information
    
        The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
    767-35A0029, dated January 30, 1997, which describes procedures for 
    modifications of the captain's and first officer's consoles in the 
    flight compartment to ensure adequate clearance between oxygen 
    equipment and adjacent wire bundles. At the disconnect panel on the 
    captain's console, modification includes rerouting wires and installing 
    certain components. At the first officer's console, modification 
    includes installing certain components, such as a 90-degree backshell 
    on the electrical connector to the dimmer module and a new bracket 
    assembly. Ensuring adequate clearance between the oxygen system 
    components and adjacent wire bundles will reduce the potential for 
    future wire chafing on the consoles in the flight compartment.
    
    Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
    
        Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
    exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
    proposed AD would supersede AD 95-21-05 to continue to require an 
    inspection to detect damage of the wire bundles in the left side of the 
    flight compartment in the vicinity of the stowage box for the captain's 
    oxygen mask, and repair, if necessary; a continuity check on repaired 
    wires; installation of sleeving over the wire bundles; and rerouting of 
    the wire bundles. The proposed AD also would require modifications of 
    the captain's and first officer's consoles in the flight compartment to 
    ensure adequate clearance between oxygen equipment and adjacent wire 
    bundles. The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance 
    with the alert service bulletin described previously.
    
    Cost Impact
    
        There are approximately 568 Boeing Model 767 series airplanes of 
    the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 185 
    airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD.
    
    [[Page 35713]]
    
        The actions that are currently required by AD 95-21-05 take 
    approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
    labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts cost approximately $50 
    per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the currently 
    required actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $42,550, or $230 
    per airplane.
        The new actions that are proposed in this AD action would take 
    approximately 11 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
    labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
    approximately $479 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
    impact of the proposed requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is 
    estimated to be $210,715, or $1,139 per airplane.
        The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
    that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed 
    requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
    those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.
    
    Regulatory Impact
    
        The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct 
    effects 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, in 
    accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this 
    proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
    the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
        For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
    regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
    Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
    Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
    and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
    regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
    Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
    Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
    
    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
    
        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
    
    The Proposed Amendment
    
        Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
    Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
    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  [Amended]
    
        2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-9390 (60 FR 
    52844, October 11, 1995), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
    (AD), to read as follows:
    
    Boeing: Docket 97-NM-39-AD. Supersedes AD 95-21-05, Amendment 39-
    9390.
    
        Applicability: Model 767 series airplanes, as listed in Boeing 
    Alert Service Bulletin 767-35A0029, dated January 30, 1997; 
    certificated in any category.
    
        Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
    preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
    otherwise 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 (c) 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 wire chafing and subsequent electrical arcing in the 
    vicinity of the stowage box for the captain's oxygen mask, which 
    could result in a fire in the flight compartment, accomplish the 
    following:
    
    Restatement of Requirements of AD 95-21-05
    
        (a) For Model 767 series airplanes having line positions 2 
    through 589 inclusive except VA801 through VA810 inclusive, VN684 
    through VN691 inclusive, and VW701: Within 45 days after October 26, 
    1995 (the effective date of AD 95-21-05, amendment 39-9390), inspect 
    to detect damage of the wire bundles in the left side of the flight 
    compartment in the vicinity of the stowage box for the captain's 
    oxygen mask, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-
    35A0028, dated September 7, 1995.
        (1) If no damage is detected, prior to further flight, install 
    protective sleeving on the wiring, and reroute the wire bundles, in 
    accordance with the alert service bulletin.
        (2) If any damage is detected, prior to further flight, 
    accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) 
    of this AD.
        (i) Repair the wiring and perform a continuity check on each 
    repaired wire, in accordance with the alert service bulletin. And
        (ii) Install protective sleeving on the wiring and reroute the 
    wire bundles, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
    
    New Requirements of This AD
    
        (b) For all airplanes: Within 18 months after the effective date 
    of this AD, modify the airplane wiring in the vicinity of the 
    captain's and first officer's consoles, in accordance with Boeing 
    Alert Service Bulletin 767-35A0029, dated January 30, 1997. 
    Accomplishment of this modification constitutes terminating action 
    for the inspection requirements of this AD.
        (c) 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Seattle ACO.
    
        (d) 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.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 26, 1997.
    S.R. Miller,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 97-17285 Filed 7-1-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
07/02/1997
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Document Number:
97-17285
Dates:
Comments must be received by August 11, 1997.
Pages:
35711-35713 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 97-NM-39-AD
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
97-17285.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13