Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757-200 and -300 Series Airplanes and Model 767 Series Airplanes, 53053-53056 [05-17607]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 172 / Wednesday, September 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
Related Information
(i) French airworthiness directive F–2005–
011, dated January 19, 2004, also addresses
the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin
A340–54–4009, Revision 01, dated February
15, 2005, excluding Appendix 01, to perform
the actions that are required by this AD,
unless the AD specifies otherwise. The
Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this document
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for a copy of this service information.
You may review copies at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW.,
Room PL–401, Nassif Building, Washington,
DC; on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov; or
at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at the NARA,
call (202) 741–6030, or go to https://www.
archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
29, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–17606 Filed 9–6–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
AD to prevent display of ‘‘old’’ or
expired ATC clearance messages on the
CDU of subsequent flights, which could
result in the airplane entering
unauthorized airspace or following a
flight path that does not provide
minimum separation requirements
between aircraft, and a consequent near
miss or a mid-air collision.
DATES: Effective October 12, 2005.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD
as of October 12, 2005.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the 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., Nassif Building, Room PL–401,
Washington, DC.
Contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124–2207, for service
information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Samuel Slentz, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–
130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055–4056; telephone
(425) 917–6483; fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Examining the Docket
Federal Aviation Administration
You may 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 street
address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20352; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–214–AD; Amendment
39–14249; AD 2005–18–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 757–200 and –300 Series
Airplanes and Model 767 Series
Airplanes
Discussion
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Boeing Model 757–200 and –300 series
airplanes and Model 767 series
airplanes. This AD requires replacing
the existing operational software of the
Pegasus flight management computer
(FMC) system with new, improved
operational software. This AD results
from reports of ‘‘old’’ or expired air
traffic control (ATC) clearance messages
being displayed on the control display
unit (CDU) of the FMC system during
subsequent flights. We are issuing this
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15:01 Sep 06, 2005
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The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to certain Boeing Model 757–200
and –300 series airplanes and Model
767 series airplanes. That NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on
February 15, 2005 (70 FR 7676). That
NPRM proposed to require replacing the
existing operational software of the
Pegasus flight management computer
(FMC) system with new, improved
operational software.
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the comments that have
been received on the NPRM.
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53053
Supportive or No Objection Comments
for the NPRM
One commenter supports the NPRM,
and another commenter advises that it
has no objection to the NPRM.
Requests To Limit the Applicability of
the NPRM
Several commenters request that the
applicability of the NPRM be limited to
those airplanes that have the Air Traffic
Services Data Link (ATS DL) enabled.
The commenters advise that Flight
Management Computer (FMC) systems
that are not equipped with the optional
operational program configuration
(OPC) software to enable the ATS DL
will never display Air Traffic Control
(ATC) clearance messages (new, old, or
expired) on the control display unit
(CDU). The commenters point out that
without the OPC, there is not the
capability to get ATC clearance
messages on the CDU. Therefore, the
commenters contend that the NPRM
should be applicable only to those
airplanes that have the ATS DL FMC
option enabled. Additionally, one
commenter, an operator, contends that if
airplanes not using ATS DL FMC are
required to upgrade the Pegasus FMC
software, the operators also will be
forced to upgrade their older inertial
reference units (IRU) due to differences
in the magnetic variation models
between Pegasus 2003 and the older IRU
models. The commenter explains that
upgrading the IRU would be a
significant increase in its costs.
The FAA agrees that the requirement
to replace the OPS and FIDO software
of the existing FMC with Pegasus 2003
OPS and FIDO software or Pegasus 2004
OPS and FIDO software should apply
only to airplanes operating with an Air
Traffice Services data link function
enabled. We have revised paragraph (f)
of this AD to clarify the applicability of
that requirement.
Requests To Add Service Information
Several commenters, including the
manufacturer, note that since the
issuance of the NPRM, Boeing has
issued new service bulletins that
describe replacing the existing
operational program software (OPS) and
flight information and data output
(FIDO) software of the FMC with
Pegasus 2005 OPS and FIDO software.
Accomplishment of the service bulletins
is intended to correct certain problems
that were experienced as a result of the
installation of the Pegasus 2003 OPS
and FIDO software, and to add other
improvements on the map displays. The
commenters request that the new
service bulletins be added to the NPRM
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53054
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 172 / Wednesday, September 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
as an optional method of compliance
with the proposed requirements of the
NPRM.
We agree with the commenters’
request. We have reviewed the new
service bulletins and have added them
to paragraph (f) of the AD and new
Table 2, Pegasus 2005 OPS and FIDO—
Applicable Service Bulletins, of this AD
as an optional method of compliance
with the requirements of this AD.
Requests To Revise Paragraph (f) of the
NPRM
Two commenters request that we
clarify that the use of the onboard
software media binder (SMB) is
optional. The commenters note that the
accomplishment instructions of the
service bulletins referenced in the
NPRM could be construed to create a
regulatory requirement for the existence
of the onboard SMB.
We agree with the commenters’
request for the reason specified and
have revised paragraph (f) of the AD to
specify that replacing the existing OPS
and FIDO diskettes in the software
media binder is not required by this AD.
Requests To Approve Later Service
Bulletins
Several commenters request that we
revise the NPRM to permit use of future
FAA-approved service bulletins to
comply with the proposed requirements
of the NPRM. The commenters contend
that future FAA-approved service
bulletins provide assurance that the
software described in future bulletins
would meet the required level of safety
specified in the NPRM. Specifically, the
commenters would like us to add the
words, ‘‘or later approved versions.’’
We do not agree with the commenters’
request. When referencing a specific
service bulletin in an AD, using the
phrase ‘‘or later FAA-approved
revisions’’ in an AD would violate the
Office of the Federal Register (OFR)
regulations for approving materials that
are incorporated by reference. In general
terms, we are required by these OFR
regulations to either publish the service
document contents as part of the actual
AD language, or submit the service
document to the OFR for approval as
‘‘referenced’’ material, in which case we
may only refer to such material in the
text of an AD. The AD may refer to the
service document only if the OFR has
approved it for ‘‘incorporation by
reference.’’ To allow operators to use
later revisions of a referenced
document, we must either revise the AD
to reference the specific later revisions,
or operators may request approval to use
later revisions as an alternative method
of compliance (AMOC) with this AD.
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15:01 Sep 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
Operators may request approval of an
AMOC for this AD under the provisions
of paragraph (h) of this AD.
Request To Revise the Costs of
Compliance Section
One commenter, the manufacturer,
requests that we revise the estimated
number of airplanes affected from 857
in the worldwide fleet and 547 on the
U.S. registry to 310 airplanes estimated
for the worldwide fleet and 247
airplanes estimated for airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We agree with the commenter. Based
on our decision to clarify the
applicability of the requirements of
paragraph (f) of the AD, (reference the
first comment discussion, ‘‘Request to
Limit the Applicability of the NPRM’’),
we have revised the ‘‘Costs of
Compliance’’ section of this AD to
reflect the numbers specified by the
commenter above.
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
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the
available data, including the comments
that have been received, and determined
that air safety and the public interest
require adopting the AD with the
changes described previously. We have
determined that these changes will
neither increase the economic burden
on any operator nor increase the scope
of the AD.
We have determined that 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); 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.
See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
Costs of Compliance
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
There are about 310 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet.
This AD will affect about 247 airplanes
of U.S. registry. The required actions
will take about 3 work hours per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $65
per work hour. The manufacturer will
provide required parts to the operators
at no cost. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of this AD for U.S.
operators is $48,165, or $195 per
airplane.
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
I
Clarification of Error in Certain Boeing
Service Bulletins
We noticed a typographical error in
the effectivity of Boeing Service Bulletin
767–34–0472, dated March 17, 2005,
and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767–
34A0390, dated February 19, 2004. We
have verified with the manufacturer that
the effectivity of these service bulletins
is intended to be for Model 767–400ER
series airplanes rather than for 747–
400ER series airplanes. Therefore, the
applicability of this AD is correct and
remains the same as the NPRM.
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Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
I
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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 172 / Wednesday, September 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
§ 39.13
767–200, –300, –300F, and –400ER series
airplanes; certificated in any category;
equipped with a Pegasus flight management
computer (FMC) system.
[Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
I
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of
‘‘old’’ or expired air traffic control (ATC)
clearance messages being displayed on the
control display unit (CDU) of the FMC
system during subsequent flights. We are
issuing this AD to prevent the airplane from
entering unauthorized airspace or following
a flight path that does not provide minimum
separation requirements between aircraft,
and a consequent near miss or mid-air
collision.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 757–
200 and –300 series airplanes and Model
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
2005–18–09 Boeing: Amendment 39–14249.
Docket No. FAA–2005–20352;
Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–214–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective October 12,
2005.
53055
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Replacing the Operational Program Software
(OPS) and Flight Information and Data
Output (FIDO) Software
(f) For all airplanes operating with an Air
Traffic Services data link function enabled:
With the exception of the work instruction to
replace the existing OPS and FIDO diskettes
in the software media binder, which is not
required by this AD, within 18 months after
the effective date of this AD, replace the OPS
and FIDO software of the existing FMC with
Pegasus 2003 OPS and FIDO software or
Pegasus 2005 OPS and FIDO software, in
accordance with the applicable service
bulletin specified in either Table 1 or Table
2 of this AD.
TABLE 1.—PEGASUS 2003 OPS AND FIDO—APPLICABLE SERVICE BULLETINS
Boeing Airplane Model
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
Dated
757–200 series airplanes ....................................................
757–300 series airplanes ....................................................
767–200, –300, and –300F series airplanes ......................
767–400ER series airplanes ...............................................
757–34A0258 ......................................................................
757–34A0259 ......................................................................
767–34A0389, Revision 2 ...................................................
767–34A0390 ......................................................................
February 12, 2004.
February 12, 2004.
December 16, 2004.
February 19, 2004.
TABLE 2.—PEGASUS 2005 OPS AND FIDO—APPLICABLE SERVICE BULLETINS
Boeing Airplane Model
Boeing
Service
Bulletin
757–200 series airplanes ..........................................................................................................................
757–300 series airplanes ..........................................................................................................................
767–200, –300, and –300F series airplanes ............................................................................................
767–400ER series airplanes .....................................................................................................................
757–34–0324
757–34–0325
767–34–0471
767–34–0472
Acceptable for Compliance
(g) Accomplishment of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 767–34A0389, dated
February 19, 2004; or Revision 1, dated
September 16, 2004, before the effective date
of this AD, is an acceptable method of
compliance with the requirements 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use the applicable service
bulletin in Table 3 of this AD to perform the
actions that are required by this AD, unless
the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of
the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of these
documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707,
Dated
March
March
March
March
17,
17,
17,
17,
2005.
2005.
2005.
2005.
Seattle, Washington 98124–2207, for a copy
of this service information. You may review
copies at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street SW., Room PL–401, Nassif
Building, Washington, DC; on the internet at
https://dms.dot.gov; or at the National
Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741–
6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
TABLE 3.—MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Service Bulletin
Boeing
Boeing
Boeing
Boeing
Boeing
Boeing
Boeing
Boeing
Revision level
Alert Service Bulletin 757–34A0258 ........................................................................................
Alert Service Bulletin 757–34A0259 ........................................................................................
Alert Service Bulletin 767–34A0389 ........................................................................................
Alert Service Bulletin 767–34A0390 ........................................................................................
Service Bulletin 757–34–0324 .................................................................................................
Service Bulletin 757–34–0325 .................................................................................................
Service Bulletin 767–34–0471 .................................................................................................
Service Bulletin 767–34–0472 .................................................................................................
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Original ..............
Original ..............
2 .........................
Original ..............
Original ..............
Original ..............
Original ..............
Original ..............
E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM
07SER1
Date
February 12, 2004.
February 12, 2004.
December 16, 2004.
February 19, 2004.
March 17, 2005.
March 17, 2005.
March 17, 2005.
March 17, 2005.
53056
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 172 / Wednesday, September 7, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
29, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–17607 Filed 9–6–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–22308; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NM–160–AD; Amendment
39–14255; AD 2005–18–15]
RIN 2120–AA64
Discussion
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault
Model Falcon 2000EX Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Dassault Model Falcon 2000EX
airplanes. This AD requires revising the
airplane flight manual (AFM) to extend
runway length limits for takeoff and
landing. This AD also provides for an
optional terminating action for the AFM
revision. This AD results from an event
in which braking efficiency was
temporarily lost during landing, but was
recovered after the flightcrew fully
released and then reapplied the brakes.
We are issuing this AD to prevent a
runway overrun in the event of loss of
braking function, which could result in
injury to passengers or flightcrew and
damage to the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
September 22, 2005.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD
as of September 22, 2005.
We must receive comments on this
AD by November 7, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
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.
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15:01 Sep 06, 2005
Jkt 205001
• 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.
Contact Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box
2000, South Hackensack, New Jersey
07606, for service information identified
in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–1137;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
´ ´
The Direction Generale de l’Aviation
Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France,
notified us that an unsafe condition may
exist on certain Dassault Model Falcon
2000EX airplanes. The DGAC advises us
that an event occurred in which braking
efficiency was temporarily lost during
landing, but was recovered after the
flightcrew fully released and then
reapplied the brakes. This event has
been attributed to improper
communication of acceleration
information between the inertial
reference system (IRS) and the brake
system control unit (BSCU). This
condition, if not corrected, could result
in a runway overrun in the event of loss
of braking function, which could result
in injury to passengers or flightcrew and
damage to the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
Dassault has issued Temporary
Change (TC) 17, dated July 26, 2005, to
the Dassault Falcon 2000EX EASy
Airplane Flight Manual, DGT88898. The
TC describes procedures for revising the
Limitations and Performance sections of
the airplane flight manual (AFM) to
extend runway length limits for takeoff
and landing. The procedures include
maximum allowable weights and field
length limits for takeoff and landing.
Dassault has also issued Service
Bulletin F2000EX–80, dated May 11,
2005. The service bulletin describes
procedures for modifying the wiring
that links the IRS to the BCSU. The
modification establishes a direct wiring
link between the IRS and the BSCU,
which makes the braking function fully
independent of the enhanced avionics
system. Accomplishing the modification
terminates the AFM revision.
We have determined that
accomplishing the actions specified in
the TC will adequately address the
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Sfmt 4700
unsafe condition. The DGAC mandated
the TC and issued French emergency
airworthiness directive UF–2005–140,
dated July 26, 2005, to ensure the
continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in France.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This AD
This airplane model is manufactured
in France and is type certificated for
operation in the United States under the
provisions of section 21.29 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
21.29) and the applicable bilateral
airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to
this bilateral airworthiness agreement,
the DGAC has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above. We
have examined the DGAC’s findings,
evaluated all pertinent information, and
determined that we need to issue an AD
for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United
States.
Therefore, we are issuing this AD to
prevent a runway overrun in the event
of loss of braking function, which could
result in injury to passengers or
flightcrew and damage to the airplane.
This AD requires accomplishing the
actions specified in the TC described
previously, except as discussed under
‘‘Differences Among this AD, French
Emergency Airworthiness Directive, and
TC.’’ This AD also provides for an
optional terminating action for the AFM
revision.
Differences Among This AD, French
Emergency Airworthiness Directive,
and TC
Although the French emergency
airworthiness directive specifies a
compliance time of before the next flight
after the effective date of the French
emergency airworthiness directive for
the AFM revision, we specify a
compliance time of 10 days after the
effective date of this AD. We find that
this will prevent airplanes from being
grounded unnecessarily without
adversely affecting the safety of the
airplanes.
The French emergency airworthiness
directive requires accomplishing the
terminating action before December 31,
2006. This AD will provide for doing
the terminating action as an option, and
we may consider further rulemaking to
require the terminating action.
Interim Action
We consider this AD interim action.
We are currently considering requiring
the modification of the wiring that links
the IRS to the BSCU, which would
terminate the AFM revision required by
this AD. However, the planned
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 172 (Wednesday, September 7, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53053-53056]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-17607]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20352; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-214-AD;
Amendment 39-14249; AD 2005-18-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757-200 and -300 Series
Airplanes and Model 767 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 757-200 and -300 series airplanes and Model 767
series airplanes. This AD requires replacing the existing operational
software of the Pegasus flight management computer (FMC) system with
new, improved operational software. This AD results from reports of
``old'' or expired air traffic control (ATC) clearance messages being
displayed on the control display unit (CDU) of the FMC system during
subsequent flights. We are issuing this AD to prevent display of
``old'' or expired ATC clearance messages on the CDU of subsequent
flights, which could result in the airplane entering unauthorized
airspace or following a flight path that does not provide minimum
separation requirements between aircraft, and a consequent near miss or
a mid-air collision.
DATES: Effective October 12, 2005.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of October 12,
2005.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the 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., Nassif Building,
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207, for service information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Samuel Slentz, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 917-6483; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may 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 street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Boeing Model
757-200 and -300 series airplanes and Model 767 series airplanes. That
NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 15, 2005 (70 FR
7676). That NPRM proposed to require replacing the existing operational
software of the Pegasus flight management computer (FMC) system with
new, improved operational software.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments that have been
received on the NPRM.
Supportive or No Objection Comments for the NPRM
One commenter supports the NPRM, and another commenter advises that
it has no objection to the NPRM.
Requests To Limit the Applicability of the NPRM
Several commenters request that the applicability of the NPRM be
limited to those airplanes that have the Air Traffic Services Data Link
(ATS DL) enabled. The commenters advise that Flight Management Computer
(FMC) systems that are not equipped with the optional operational
program configuration (OPC) software to enable the ATS DL will never
display Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearance messages (new, old, or
expired) on the control display unit (CDU). The commenters point out
that without the OPC, there is not the capability to get ATC clearance
messages on the CDU. Therefore, the commenters contend that the NPRM
should be applicable only to those airplanes that have the ATS DL FMC
option enabled. Additionally, one commenter, an operator, contends that
if airplanes not using ATS DL FMC are required to upgrade the Pegasus
FMC software, the operators also will be forced to upgrade their older
inertial reference units (IRU) due to differences in the magnetic
variation models between Pegasus 2003 and the older IRU models. The
commenter explains that upgrading the IRU would be a significant
increase in its costs.
The FAA agrees that the requirement to replace the OPS and FIDO
software of the existing FMC with Pegasus 2003 OPS and FIDO software or
Pegasus 2004 OPS and FIDO software should apply only to airplanes
operating with an Air Traffice Services data link function enabled. We
have revised paragraph (f) of this AD to clarify the applicability of
that requirement.
Requests To Add Service Information
Several commenters, including the manufacturer, note that since the
issuance of the NPRM, Boeing has issued new service bulletins that
describe replacing the existing operational program software (OPS) and
flight information and data output (FIDO) software of the FMC with
Pegasus 2005 OPS and FIDO software. Accomplishment of the service
bulletins is intended to correct certain problems that were experienced
as a result of the installation of the Pegasus 2003 OPS and FIDO
software, and to add other improvements on the map displays. The
commenters request that the new service bulletins be added to the NPRM
[[Page 53054]]
as an optional method of compliance with the proposed requirements of
the NPRM.
We agree with the commenters' request. We have reviewed the new
service bulletins and have added them to paragraph (f) of the AD and
new Table 2, Pegasus 2005 OPS and FIDO--Applicable Service Bulletins,
of this AD as an optional method of compliance with the requirements of
this AD.
Requests To Revise Paragraph (f) of the NPRM
Two commenters request that we clarify that the use of the onboard
software media binder (SMB) is optional. The commenters note that the
accomplishment instructions of the service bulletins referenced in the
NPRM could be construed to create a regulatory requirement for the
existence of the onboard SMB.
We agree with the commenters' request for the reason specified and
have revised paragraph (f) of the AD to specify that replacing the
existing OPS and FIDO diskettes in the software media binder is not
required by this AD.
Requests To Approve Later Service Bulletins
Several commenters request that we revise the NPRM to permit use of
future FAA-approved service bulletins to comply with the proposed
requirements of the NPRM. The commenters contend that future FAA-
approved service bulletins provide assurance that the software
described in future bulletins would meet the required level of safety
specified in the NPRM. Specifically, the commenters would like us to
add the words, ``or later approved versions.''
We do not agree with the commenters' request. When referencing a
specific service bulletin in an AD, using the phrase ``or later FAA-
approved revisions'' in an AD would violate the Office of the Federal
Register (OFR) regulations for approving materials that are
incorporated by reference. In general terms, we are required by these
OFR regulations to either publish the service document contents as part
of the actual AD language, or submit the service document to the OFR
for approval as ``referenced'' material, in which case we may only
refer to such material in the text of an AD. The AD may refer to the
service document only if the OFR has approved it for ``incorporation by
reference.'' To allow operators to use later revisions of a referenced
document, we must either revise the AD to reference the specific later
revisions, or operators may request approval to use later revisions as
an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) with this AD. Operators may
request approval of an AMOC for this AD under the provisions of
paragraph (h) of this AD.
Request To Revise the Costs of Compliance Section
One commenter, the manufacturer, requests that we revise the
estimated number of airplanes affected from 857 in the worldwide fleet
and 547 on the U.S. registry to 310 airplanes estimated for the
worldwide fleet and 247 airplanes estimated for airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We agree with the commenter. Based on our decision to clarify the
applicability of the requirements of paragraph (f) of the AD,
(reference the first comment discussion, ``Request to Limit the
Applicability of the NPRM''), we have revised the ``Costs of
Compliance'' section of this AD to reflect the numbers specified by the
commenter above.
Clarification of Error in Certain Boeing Service Bulletins
We noticed a typographical error in the effectivity of Boeing
Service Bulletin 767-34-0472, dated March 17, 2005, and Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 767-34A0390, dated February 19, 2004. We have verified
with the manufacturer that the effectivity of these service bulletins
is intended to be for Model 767-400ER series airplanes rather than for
747-400ER series airplanes. Therefore, the applicability of this AD is
correct and remains the same as the NPRM.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments that have been received, and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described
previously. We have determined that these changes will neither increase
the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 310 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This AD will affect about 247 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The required actions will take about 3 work hours per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. The
manufacturer will provide required parts to the operators at no cost.
Based on these figures, the estimated cost of this AD for U.S.
operators is $48,165, or $195 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 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); 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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.
[[Page 53055]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2005-18-09 Boeing: Amendment 39-14249. Docket No. FAA-2005-20352;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-214-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective October 12, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 757-200 and -300 series
airplanes and Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series
airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with a Pegasus
flight management computer (FMC) system.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of ``old'' or expired air
traffic control (ATC) clearance messages being displayed on the
control display unit (CDU) of the FMC system during subsequent
flights. We are issuing this AD to prevent the airplane from
entering unauthorized airspace or following a flight path that does
not provide minimum separation requirements between aircraft, and a
consequent near miss or mid-air collision.
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.
Replacing the Operational Program Software (OPS) and Flight Information
and Data Output (FIDO) Software
(f) For all airplanes operating with an Air Traffic Services
data link function enabled: With the exception of the work
instruction to replace the existing OPS and FIDO diskettes in the
software media binder, which is not required by this AD, within 18
months after the effective date of this AD, replace the OPS and FIDO
software of the existing FMC with Pegasus 2003 OPS and FIDO software
or Pegasus 2005 OPS and FIDO software, in accordance with the
applicable service bulletin specified in either Table 1 or Table 2
of this AD.
Table 1.--Pegasus 2003 OPS and FIDO--Applicable Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Alert Service
Boeing Airplane Model Bulletin Dated
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
757-200 series airplanes................. 757-34A0258................ February 12, 2004.
757-300 series airplanes................. 757-34A0259................ February 12, 2004.
767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes 767-34A0389, Revision 2.... December 16, 2004.
767-400ER series airplanes............... 767-34A0390................ February 19, 2004.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 2.--Pegasus 2005 OPS and FIDO--Applicable Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing
Boeing Airplane Model Service Dated
Bulletin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
757-200 series airplanes....................... 757-34-0324 March 17, 2005.
757-300 series airplanes....................... 757-34-0325 March 17, 2005.
767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes...... 767-34-0471 March 17, 2005.
767-400ER series airplanes..................... 767-34-0472 March 17, 2005.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acceptable for Compliance
(g) Accomplishment of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-34A0389,
dated February 19, 2004; or Revision 1, dated September 16, 2004,
before the effective date of this AD, is an acceptable method of
compliance with the requirements 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use the applicable service bulletin in Table 3 of
this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless
the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of these documents in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207,
for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on
the internet at https://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Table 3.--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Bulletin Revision level Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757- Original....................... February 12, 2004.
34A0258.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757- Original....................... February 12, 2004.
34A0259.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767- 2.............................. December 16, 2004.
34A0389.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767- Original....................... February 19, 2004.
34A0390.
Boeing Service Bulletin 757-34-0324.... Original....................... March 17, 2005.
Boeing Service Bulletin 757-34-0325.... Original....................... March 17, 2005.
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-34-0471.... Original....................... March 17, 2005.
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-34-0472.... Original....................... March 17, 2005.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 53056]]
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 29, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-17607 Filed 9-6-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
