Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-300 Series Airplanes, 70711-70713 [05-23054]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 225 / Wednesday, November 23, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
70711
TABLE 2.—MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Change
level
EMBRAER service bulletin
145–49–0009 ...................................................................................................................................................
145–49–0017 ...................................................................................................................................................
145–49–0018 ...................................................................................................................................................
EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145–49–0017,
Change 01, dated June 7, 2001, contains the
following effective pages:
Page No.
Change
level shown
on page
1, 2 .........
3–10 .......
01 ..............
Original ......
Date shown on
page
June 7, 2001.
May 15, 2001.
EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145–49–0018,
Change 04, dated November 26, 2002,
contains the following effective pages:
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.
Effective December 28, 2005.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of December 28, 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:
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:
DATES:
Page No.
Change
level shown
on page
Date shown on
page
1, 2 .........
04 ..............
3–14 .......
03 ..............
November 26,
2002.
January 3, 2002.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October
31, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–22972 Filed 11–22–05; 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; Amendment
39–14384; AD 2005–24–04]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 767–300 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Boeing Model 767–300 series airplanes.
This AD requires replacing the
frequency converters used to supply
power for medical and galley utility
outlets with modified frequency
converters, and related actions. This AD
results from a report indicating that a
hard short circuit condition between the
output of certain frequency converters
SUMMARY:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:18 Nov 22, 2005
Jkt 208001
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 767–300
series airplanes. That NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on
March 17, 2005 (70 FR 12986). That
NPRM proposed to require replacing the
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09
01
04
Date
April 12, 2005.
June 7, 2001.
November 26, 2002.
frequency converters used to supply
power for medical outlets with modified
frequency converters, and related
actions.
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.
Request To Revise Date of Referenced
Service Bulletin
One commenter, the manufacturer,
requests that we revise the release date
of the service bulletin referenced in the
NPRM. The commenter states that the
correct reference is Boeing Service
Bulletin 767–25–0334, Revision 1, dated
June 19, 2003.
We agree. We inadvertently
referenced the incorrect release date of
Boeing Service Bulletin 767–25–0334,
Revision 1. Therefore, we have revised
paragraphs (c) and (f) of this AD to
include the correct release date.
Request To Clarify Use of Frequency
Converters
The same commenter requests that we
revise the ‘‘Summary’’ and ‘‘Relevant
Service Information’’ sections of the
NPRM to specify that the affected
frequency converters are also used for
supplying power to galley utility
outlets.
We agree. We have revised the
‘‘Summary’’ section and paragraph (f) of
this AD to clarify that the affected
frequency converters are used to supply
power to ‘‘* * * medical and galley
utility outlets * * *.’’ However, since
the ‘‘Relevant Service Information’’
section of the preamble does not
reappear in the final rule, we have not
made that change.
Request To Use Alternative Method of
Compliance (AMOC)
A second commenter, an operator,
requests that we include an option to
remove and deactivate the affected
frequency converters and wiring,
instead of replacing the affected
frequency converters. The commenter
states that it is not currently using the
medical outlets and has removed the
affected frequency converters from its
E:\FR\FM\23NOR1.SGM
23NOR1
70712
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 225 / Wednesday, November 23, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
airplanes. The commenter also states
that, if the medical outlets are later
reactivated, the NPRM should require
installing modified frequency
converters.
We agree that removing and
deactivating the affected frequency
converters is adequate for addressing
the unsafe condition of this AD. We
have moved the proposed requirement
to replace the affected frequency
converters to new paragraph (f)(1) of
this supplemental NPRM and have
added new paragraph (f)(2) to this
supplemental NPRM, which gives
operators the option of deactivating the
affected frequency converters. Before a
deactivated frequency convert can be reinstalled on an airplane, paragraph (f)(2)
also would require modifying the
affected frequency converters in
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin
767–25–0334, Revision 1, dated June 19,
2003.
Request To Reference Parts
Manufacturer Approval (PMA) Parts
A third commenter requests that we
identify the model and part number of
the affected frequency converters in the
NPRM. The commenter states that the
parts manufacturer of the affected
frequency converters produces parts
both as an original equipment
manufacturer (OEM) supplier and as a
direct seller under a PMA. The
commenter asserts that, since parts
manufacturers are encouraged to use
different part numbers for PMA and
OEM parts, a PMA part identical to the
OEM part, but having a different part
number, might be installed on an
airplane. The commenter requests that
the NPRM account for any PMA parts
that might contain the same deficiencies
as an OEM part and be installed in its
place.
We do not concur with the
commenter’s request. Our available
information indicates that any existing
PMA frequency converter installed on
any affected airplane retains the OEM
original part number and, therefore,
would be required to be removed in
accordance with the Boeing service
bulletin referenced in this AD as the
appropriate source of service
information. Once the existing parts are
removed, the operator must replace it
with the part numbers specified in the
service bulletin in order to be in
compliance with this AD. No change to
the final rule is necessary in this regard.
Regarding the commenter’s request to
address PMA part numbers in ADs, in
general, the Transport Airplane
Directorate currently is in the process of
reviewing this issue as it applies to
transport category airplanes. Once we
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:18 Nov 22, 2005
Jkt 208001
have thoroughly examined all aspects of
this issue and have made a final
determination, we will consider
whether our policy regarding addressing
PMA parts in ADs needs to be revised.
We consider that to delay this AD action
would be inappropriate, since we have
determined that an unsafe condition
exists and that replacement of certain
parts must be accomplished to ensure
continued safety. Therefore, no change
has been made to the final rule in this
regard.
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 55 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet.
This AD affects about 54 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The actions in this AD
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 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 AD will
not have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
not have a substantial direct effect on
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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
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:
I
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
I
2005–24–04 Boeing: Amendment 39–14384.
Docket No. FAA–2005–20629;
Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–266–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective December
28, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 767–
300 series airplanes, certificated in any
category; as identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 767–25–0334, Revision 1, dated June
19, 2003.
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
E:\FR\FM\23NOR1.SGM
23NOR1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 225 / Wednesday, November 23, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
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, do the actions specified in
either paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD.
(1) Replace the frequency converters used
to supply power for medical and galley
utility 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, 2003.
(2) Remove and deactivate the frequency
converters used to supply power for medical
and galley utility outlets, and cap and stow
the frequency converter wire bundles, in
accordance with B.1. through B.6. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 767–25–0334, Revision 1,
dated June 19, 2003. As of the effective date
of this AD, no person may install a frequency
converter that has been removed and
deactivated in accordance with this
paragraph, unless it is modified in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the service bulletin.
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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin
767–25–0334, Revision 1, dated June 19,
2003, 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 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://
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:18 Nov 22, 2005
Jkt 208001
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
November 10, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–23054 Filed 11–22–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–19682; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–88–AD; Amendment 39–
14383; AD 2005–24–03]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 737–600, –700, –700C, and –800
Series Airplanes
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 737–600, –700, –700C,
and –800 series airplanes. This AD
requires inspecting/measuring the
length of the attachment fasteners
between the nacelle support fittings and
the lower wing skin panels, and related
investigative/corrective actions if
necessary. This AD results from a report
from the manufacturer that in
production, during the installation of
certain attachment fasteners for the
nacelle support fittings, only one
washer was installed instead of two. We
are issuing this AD to prevent
inadequate fastener clamp-up, which
could result in cracking of the fastener
holes, cracking along the lower wing
skin panels, fuel leaking from the wing
fuel tanks onto the engines, and possible
fire.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
December 28, 2005.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of December 28, 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, PO Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124–2207, for service
information identified in this AD.
Frm 00011
Fmt 4700
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nancy Marsh, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055–4056; telephone
(425) 917–6440; fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PO 00000
70713
Sfmt 4700
You may examine the airworthiness
directive (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 737–600,
–700, –700C, and –800 series airplanes.
That NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on November 24, 2004
(69 FR 68268). That NPRM proposed to
require inspecting/measuring the length
of the attachment fasteners between the
nacelle support fittings and the lower
wing skin panels, and related
investigative/corrective actions if
necessary.
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the comments received.
Support for the NPRM
One commenter supports the actions
described in the NPRM.
Notice of Service Bulletin Revision
One commenter, the manufacturer,
notes that there is an error in the
variable numbers listed in the effectivity
of Boeing Service Bulletin 737–57–1275,
dated September 4, 2003 (which was
referenced as the appropriate source of
service information for accomplishing
the proposed actions). The commenter
states that this error is corrected in the
next revision of the service bulletin and
that correcting this error in the service
bulletin will not alter the NPRM’s
applicability.
We agree with the commenter that the
applicability of this AD is not affected
by the change in variable numbers. The
applicability of this AD refers to the
airplane line numbers and not to the
variable numbers.
E:\FR\FM\23NOR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 225 (Wednesday, November 23, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70711-70713]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-23054]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20629; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-266-AD;
Amendment 39-14384; AD 2005-24-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-300 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 767-300 series airplanes. This AD requires
replacing the frequency converters used to supply power for medical and
galley utility outlets with modified frequency converters, and related
actions. This AD results from 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.
DATES: Effective December 28, 2005.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of December 28,
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: 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:
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
767-300 series airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on March 17, 2005 (70 FR 12986). That NPRM proposed to require
replacing the frequency converters used to supply power for medical
outlets with modified frequency converters, and related actions.
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.
Request To Revise Date of Referenced Service Bulletin
One commenter, the manufacturer, requests that we revise the
release date of the service bulletin referenced in the NPRM. The
commenter states that the correct reference is Boeing Service Bulletin
767-25-0334, Revision 1, dated June 19, 2003.
We agree. We inadvertently referenced the incorrect release date of
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0334, Revision 1. Therefore, we have
revised paragraphs (c) and (f) of this AD to include the correct
release date.
Request To Clarify Use of Frequency Converters
The same commenter requests that we revise the ``Summary'' and
``Relevant Service Information'' sections of the NPRM to specify that
the affected frequency converters are also used for supplying power to
galley utility outlets.
We agree. We have revised the ``Summary'' section and paragraph (f)
of this AD to clarify that the affected frequency converters are used
to supply power to ``* * * medical and galley utility outlets * * *.''
However, since the ``Relevant Service Information'' section of the
preamble does not reappear in the final rule, we have not made that
change.
Request To Use Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC)
A second commenter, an operator, requests that we include an option
to remove and deactivate the affected frequency converters and wiring,
instead of replacing the affected frequency converters. The commenter
states that it is not currently using the medical outlets and has
removed the affected frequency converters from its
[[Page 70712]]
airplanes. The commenter also states that, if the medical outlets are
later reactivated, the NPRM should require installing modified
frequency converters.
We agree that removing and deactivating the affected frequency
converters is adequate for addressing the unsafe condition of this AD.
We have moved the proposed requirement to replace the affected
frequency converters to new paragraph (f)(1) of this supplemental NPRM
and have added new paragraph (f)(2) to this supplemental NPRM, which
gives operators the option of deactivating the affected frequency
converters. Before a deactivated frequency convert can be re-installed
on an airplane, paragraph (f)(2) also would require modifying the
affected frequency converters in accordance with Boeing Service
Bulletin 767-25-0334, Revision 1, dated June 19, 2003.
Request To Reference Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) Parts
A third commenter requests that we identify the model and part
number of the affected frequency converters in the NPRM. The commenter
states that the parts manufacturer of the affected frequency converters
produces parts both as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
supplier and as a direct seller under a PMA. The commenter asserts
that, since parts manufacturers are encouraged to use different part
numbers for PMA and OEM parts, a PMA part identical to the OEM part,
but having a different part number, might be installed on an airplane.
The commenter requests that the NPRM account for any PMA parts that
might contain the same deficiencies as an OEM part and be installed in
its place.
We do not concur with the commenter's request. Our available
information indicates that any existing PMA frequency converter
installed on any affected airplane retains the OEM original part number
and, therefore, would be required to be removed in accordance with the
Boeing service bulletin referenced in this AD as the appropriate source
of service information. Once the existing parts are removed, the
operator must replace it with the part numbers specified in the service
bulletin in order to be in compliance with this AD. No change to the
final rule is necessary in this regard.
Regarding the commenter's request to address PMA part numbers in
ADs, in general, the Transport Airplane Directorate currently is in the
process of reviewing this issue as it applies to transport category
airplanes. Once we have thoroughly examined all aspects of this issue
and have made a final determination, we will consider whether our
policy regarding addressing PMA parts in ADs needs to be revised. We
consider that to delay this AD action would be inappropriate, since we
have determined that an unsafe condition exists and that replacement of
certain parts must be accomplished to ensure continued safety.
Therefore, no change has been made to the final rule in this regard.
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 55 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This AD affects about 54 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The actions in this AD 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 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 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2005-24-04 Boeing: Amendment 39-14384. Docket No. FAA-2005-20629;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-266-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective December 28, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-300 series airplanes,
certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 767-25-0334, Revision 1, dated June 19, 2003.
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
[[Page 70713]]
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, do the
actions specified in either paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD.
(1) Replace the frequency converters used to supply power for
medical and galley utility 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, 2003.
(2) Remove and deactivate the frequency converters used to
supply power for medical and galley utility outlets, and cap and
stow the frequency converter wire bundles, in accordance with B.1.
through B.6. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 767-25-0334, Revision 1, dated June 19, 2003. As of the
effective date of this AD, no person may install a frequency
converter that has been removed and deactivated in accordance with
this paragraph, unless it is modified in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0334, Revision
1, dated June 19, 2003, 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 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/
cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 10, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-23054 Filed 11-22-05; 8:45 am]
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