Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-300 Series Airplanes, 12986-12988 [05-5289]

Download as PDF 12986 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 51 / Thursday, March 17, 2005 / Proposed Rules Alternative Methods of Compliance (k)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (SACO), is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) for this AD. (2) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 8, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05–5296 Filed 3–16–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2005–20629; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–266–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767–300 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 767–300 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing the frequency converters used to supply power for medical outlets with modified frequency converters, and related actions. This proposed AD is prompted by a report indicating that a hard short circuit condition between the output of certain frequency converters and their downstream circuit breakers will produce a continuous output current that could cause the undersized output wiring to overheat when the frequency converters fail to shut off. We are proposing this AD to prevent overheating of the output wiring of the frequency converters, which could result in the failure of a wire bundle and consequent adverse effects on other systems sharing the affected wire bundle. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 2, 2005. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this proposed AD. VerDate jul<14>2003 14:48 Mar 16, 2005 Jkt 205001 • DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590. • By fax: (202) 493–2251. • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207. You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at https:// dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL–401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket number is FAA–2005– 20629; the directorate identifier for this docket is 2004–NM–266–AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Binh Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056; telephone (425) 917–6485; fax (425) 917–6590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2005–20629; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–266–AD’’ in the subject line of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You can review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78), or you can visit https:// dms.dot.gov. Examining the Docket You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them. Discussion We have received a report indicating that analysis by the airplane manufacturer has shown that a hard short circuit condition between the output of certain frequency converters and their downstream, load circuit breakers will produce a continuous output current of 170—200 percent of nominal, on certain Boeing Model 747– 200F and –400 series airplanes; Model 767–300 and –400ER series airplanes; and Model 777 series airplanes. The continuous current could cause the undersized output wiring to exceed its wire temperature rating of 150 degrees Celsius and consequently overheat when the frequency converters fail to shut off in response to a short circuit or overload. Overheating of the output wiring, if not corrected, could result in the failure of a wire bundle and consequent adverse effects on other systems sharing the affected wire bundle. Other Related Rulemaking On September 1, 2004, we proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with an AD for certain Boeing Model 747–200F and –400 series airplanes; Model 767–400ER series airplanes; and Model 777 series airplanes. That action, published in the Federal Register on September 13, 2004 (69 FR 55120), proposed to require replacing the frequency converter(s) used to supply electrical power for utility outlets (for the galley, medical equipment, or personal computers) with modified frequency converter(s). That action also proposed to require any specified action and related concurrent actions, as necessary. That proposed AD was prompted by a report that a hard short condition between the frequency E:\FR\FM\17MRP1.SGM 17MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 51 / Thursday, March 17, 2005 / Proposed Rules converter’s output and its downstream circuit breakers will produce a continuous circuit that could cause the undersized output wiring to overheat. The actions required by that proposed AD are intended to prevent the overheating of the frequency converter’s undersized output wiring, which could lead to the failure of a wire bundle, and consequent adverse effects on other systems sharing the affected wire bundle. Since issuance of that proposed AD, we have determined that the same unsafe condition addressed in that proposed AD also exists on certain Model 767–300 series airplanes. We have been advised that 54 Model 767– 300 series airplanes were delivered with outlet installations using frequency converters affected by that proposed AD. Therefore, these additional airplanes are also subject to the same unsafe condition addressed in that proposed AD. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 767–25–0334, Revision 1, dated June 19, 2002. The service bulletin describes procedures for replacing the frequency converters used to supply power for medical outlets with modified frequency converters, and related actions. Replacement includes removing and sending the frequency converters to the vendor (Avionic Instruments, Inc.) for rework, and installing the reworked frequency converters. The other related actions include the following: • Collaring and labeling the circuit breaker(s) of the frequency converter input as ‘‘INOP’’ and removing the label(s) after installation of the modified frequency converters; • Capping and stowing the wire bundles of the frequency converters and reinstalling/connecting the wire bundles after installation of the modified frequency converters; • Installing a ‘‘DEACTIVATED’’ label on the frequency converter outlets and removing the labels after installation of the modified frequency converters; • Contacting the vendor for coordination of the rework; and • Doing a functional test of the replaced frequency converters. Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of this same VerDate jul<14>2003 14:48 Mar 16, 2005 Jkt 205001 type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. We have considered a number of factors in determining whether to issue a separate proposed AD or a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to the ‘‘related’’ NPRM (69 FR 55120, September 13, 2004). Although the 54 additional airplanes included in the applicability of this proposed AD were inadvertently omitted from the ‘‘related’’ NPRM, issuing a supplemental NPRM would require reopening the comment period of the ‘‘related’’ NPRM. However, to delay that action would be inappropriate, since we have determined that an unsafe condition exists and that modifications need to be made to ensure continued safety. We also have considered the entire fleet size that would be affected by issuing a supplemental NPRM and the fact that no new work would be required for airplanes affected by the ‘‘related’’ NPRM. In light of this, we have determined that a less burdensome approach is to propose a separate AD applicable only to the additional airplanes. This proposed AD would not reopen the comment period of the ‘‘related’’ NPRM; airplanes listed in the applicability of the ‘‘related’’ NPRM would be required to comply with the requirements of that proposed AD. This proposed AD is a separate AD action that is applicable only to certain Boeing Model 767–300 series airplanes, certificated in any category. Costs of Compliance There are about 55 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 54 airplanes of U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 1 work hour per frequency converter, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. There are about 2 frequency converters per airplane. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $7,020, or $130 per airplane. 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, PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 12987 ‘‘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 We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the 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. 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. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2005–20629; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–266–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive comments on this AD action by May 2, 2005. E:\FR\FM\17MRP1.SGM 17MRP1 12988 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 51 / Thursday, March 17, 2005 / Proposed Rules Affected ADs DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (b) None. National Park Service Applicability (c) This AD applies to certain Boeing Model 767–300 series airplanes, certificated in any category; as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 767–25–0334, Revision 1, dated June 19, 2002. 36 CFR Part 7 Unsafe Condition AGENCY: (d) This AD was prompted by a report indicating that a hard short circuit condition between the output of certain frequency converters and their downstream circuit breakers will produce a continuous output current that could cause the undersized output wiring to overheat when the frequency converters fail to shut off. We are issuing this AD to prevent overheating of the output wiring of the frequency converters, which could result in the failure of a wire bundle and consequent adverse effects on other systems sharing the affected wire bundle. ACTION: Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Replace Frequency Converters (f) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the frequency converters used to supply power for medical outlets with modified frequency converters, and do any related actions, by doing all of the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767– 25–0334, Revision 1, dated June 19, 2002. Credit for Previous Service Bulletin (g) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767–25–0334, dated November 7, 2002, are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 8, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05–5289 Filed 3–16–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate jul<14>2003 14:48 Mar 16, 2005 Jkt 205001 RIN 1024–AD21 Gulf Islands National Seashore, Personal Watercraft Use National Park Service, Interior. Proposed rule. SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to designate areas where personal watercraft (PWC) may be used in Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida and Mississippi. This proposed rule implements the provisions of the NPS general regulations authorizing park areas to allow the use of PWC by promulgating a special regulation. The NPS Management Policies 2001 directs individual parks to determine whether PWC use is appropriate for a specific park area based on an evaluation of that area’s enabling legislation, resources and values, other visitor uses, and overall management objectives. DATES: Comments must be received by May 16, 2005. ADDRESSES: Comments on the proposed rule should be sent to the Superintendent, Gulf Islands National Seashore, 1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563. Comments may also be sent by e-mail to guis@den.nps.gov. If you comment by email, please include ‘‘PWC rule’’ in the subject line and your name and return address in the body of your Internet message. Also, you may hand deliver comments to Gulf Islands National Seashore, 1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563. For additional information see ‘‘Public Participation’’ under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below. Jerry Case, Regulations Program Manager, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW., Room 7241, Washington, DC 20240. Phone: (202) 208–4206. E-mail: jerry_case@nps.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Additional Alternatives The information contained in this proposed rule supports implementation of portions of the preferred alternative in the Environmental Assessment published March 2004. The public should be aware that two other alternatives were presented in the EA, including a no-PWC alternative, and PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 those alternatives should also be reviewed and considered when making comments on this proposed rule. Personal Watercraft Regulation On March 21, 2000, the National Park Service published a regulation (36 CFR 3.24) on the management of personal watercraft (PWC) use within all units of the national park system (65 FR 15077). This regulation prohibits PWC use in all national park units unless the NPS determines that this type of water-based recreational activity is appropriate for the specific park unit based on the legislation establishing that park, the park’s resources and values, other visitor uses of the area, and overall management objectives. The regulation banned PWC use in all park units effective April 20, 2000, except for 21 parks, lakeshores, seashores, and recreation areas. The regulation established a 2-year grace period following the final rule publication to provide these 21 park units time to consider whether PWC use should be permitted to continue. Description of Gulf Islands National Seashore Gulf Islands National Seashore is located in the northeastern portion of the Gulf of Mexico and includes a widely spaced chain of barrier islands extending nearly 160 miles from the eastern end of Santa Rosa Island in Florida to Cat Island in Mississippi. Other islands in the national seashore include Horn, Petit Bois, and East Ship and West Ship islands in Mississippi and a section of Perdido Key in Florida. Gulf Islands National Seashore also includes mainland tracts at Pensacola Forts and Naval Live Oaks Reservation near Pensacola, Florida, and Davis Bayou, adjacent to Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The national seashore contains 139,775.46 acres within the authorized boundary, excluding Cat Island (only a portion has been acquired as of this date). Of this total acreage, 19,445.46 acres are fastlands (above water) and 119,730 acres are submerged lands. Gulf Islands National Seashore contains snowy-white beaches, sparkling blue waters, fertile coastal marshes, and dense maritime forests. Visitors can explore 19th century forts, enjoy shaded picnic areas, hike on winding nature trails, and camp in comfortable campgrounds. In addition, Horn and Petit Bois islands located in Mississippi are federally designated wilderness areas. Nature, history, and recreational opportunities abound in this national treasure. All areas of Gulf Islands National Seashore in the Florida E:\FR\FM\17MRP1.SGM 17MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 51 (Thursday, March 17, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12986-12988]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-5289]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20629; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-266-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-300 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Boeing Model 767-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD 
would require replacing the frequency converters used to supply power 
for medical outlets with modified frequency converters, and related 
actions. This proposed AD is prompted by a report indicating that a 
hard short circuit condition between the output of certain frequency 
converters and their downstream circuit breakers will produce a 
continuous output current that could cause the undersized output wiring 
to overheat when the frequency converters fail to shut off. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent overheating of the output wiring of the 
frequency converters, which could result in the failure of a wire 
bundle and consequent adverse effects on other systems sharing the 
affected wire bundle.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 2, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     By fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
    You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-
401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This 
docket number is FAA-2005-20629; the directorate identifier for this 
docket is 2004-NM-266-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Binh Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Systems 
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone 
(425) 917-6485; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-20629; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-266-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of 
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You can review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
can visit https://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

Discussion

    We have received a report indicating that analysis by the airplane 
manufacturer has shown that a hard short circuit condition between the 
output of certain frequency converters and their downstream, load 
circuit breakers will produce a continuous output current of 170--200 
percent of nominal, on certain Boeing Model 747-200F and -400 series 
airplanes; Model 767-300 and -400ER series airplanes; and Model 777 
series airplanes. The continuous current could cause the undersized 
output wiring to exceed its wire temperature rating of 150 degrees 
Celsius and consequently overheat when the frequency converters fail to 
shut off in response to a short circuit or overload. Overheating of the 
output wiring, if not corrected, could result in the failure of a wire 
bundle and consequent adverse effects on other systems sharing the 
affected wire bundle.

Other Related Rulemaking

    On September 1, 2004, we proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with an 
AD for certain Boeing Model 747-200F and -400 series airplanes; Model 
767-400ER series airplanes; and Model 777 series airplanes. That 
action, published in the Federal Register on September 13, 2004 (69 FR 
55120), proposed to require replacing the frequency converter(s) used 
to supply electrical power for utility outlets (for the galley, medical 
equipment, or personal computers) with modified frequency converter(s). 
That action also proposed to require any specified action and related 
concurrent actions, as necessary. That proposed AD was prompted by a 
report that a hard short condition between the frequency

[[Page 12987]]

converter's output and its downstream circuit breakers will produce a 
continuous circuit that could cause the undersized output wiring to 
overheat. The actions required by that proposed AD are intended to 
prevent the overheating of the frequency converter's undersized output 
wiring, which could lead to the failure of a wire bundle, and 
consequent adverse effects on other systems sharing the affected wire 
bundle.
    Since issuance of that proposed AD, we have determined that the 
same unsafe condition addressed in that proposed AD also exists on 
certain Model 767-300 series airplanes. We have been advised that 54 
Model 767-300 series airplanes were delivered with outlet installations 
using frequency converters affected by that proposed AD. Therefore, 
these additional airplanes are also subject to the same unsafe 
condition addressed in that proposed AD.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0334, Revision 1, 
dated June 19, 2002. The service bulletin describes procedures for 
replacing the frequency converters used to supply power for medical 
outlets with modified frequency converters, and related actions. 
Replacement includes removing and sending the frequency converters to 
the vendor (Avionic Instruments, Inc.) for rework, and installing the 
reworked frequency converters. The other related actions include the 
following:
     Collaring and labeling the circuit breaker(s) of the 
frequency converter input as ``INOP'' and removing the label(s) after 
installation of the modified frequency converters;
     Capping and stowing the wire bundles of the frequency 
converters and reinstalling/connecting the wire bundles after 
installation of the modified frequency converters;
     Installing a ``DEACTIVATED'' label on the frequency 
converter outlets and removing the labels after installation of the 
modified frequency converters;
     Contacting the vendor for coordination of the rework; and
     Doing a functional test of the replaced frequency 
converters.
    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes 
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which 
would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously.
    We have considered a number of factors in determining whether to 
issue a separate proposed AD or a supplemental notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) to the ``related'' NPRM (69 FR 55120, September 13, 
2004). Although the 54 additional airplanes included in the 
applicability of this proposed AD were inadvertently omitted from the 
``related'' NPRM, issuing a supplemental NPRM would require reopening 
the comment period of the ``related'' NPRM. However, to delay that 
action would be inappropriate, since we have determined that an unsafe 
condition exists and that modifications need to be made to ensure 
continued safety. We also have considered the entire fleet size that 
would be affected by issuing a supplemental NPRM and the fact that no 
new work would be required for airplanes affected by the ``related'' 
NPRM. In light of this, we have determined that a less burdensome 
approach is to propose a separate AD applicable only to the additional 
airplanes. This proposed AD would not reopen the comment period of the 
``related'' NPRM; airplanes listed in the applicability of the 
``related'' NPRM would be required to comply with the requirements of 
that proposed AD. This proposed AD is a separate AD action that is 
applicable only to certain Boeing Model 767-300 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 55 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 54 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 1 work hour per 
frequency converter, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. 
There are about 2 frequency converters per airplane. Based on these 
figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is 
$7,020, or $130 per airplane.

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

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2005-20629; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
266-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this AD action by May 2, 2005.

[[Page 12988]]

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to certain Boeing Model 767-300 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category; as listed in Boeing Service 
Bulletin 767-25-0334, Revision 1, dated June 19, 2002.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by a report indicating that a hard 
short circuit condition between the output of certain frequency 
converters and their downstream circuit breakers will produce a 
continuous output current that could cause the undersized output 
wiring to overheat when the frequency converters fail to shut off. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent overheating of the output wiring 
of the frequency converters, which could result in the failure of a 
wire bundle and consequent adverse effects on other systems sharing 
the affected wire bundle.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Replace Frequency Converters

    (f) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the frequency converters used to supply power for medical 
outlets with modified frequency converters, and do any related 
actions, by doing all of the actions specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0334, Revision 1, 
dated June 19, 2002.

Credit for Previous Service Bulletin

    (g) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0334, dated November 
7, 2002, are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of 
paragraph (f) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 8, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-5289 Filed 3-16-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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