Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Airplanes, 29282-29284 [E7-10105]

Download as PDF 29282 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 101 / Friday, May 25, 2007 / Proposed Rules frame cracking, which, if not corrected, could lead to a severed frame that, combined with cracking of the skin lap splice above stringer 10, could result in rapid decompression of the airplane. 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. Service Bulletin Reference (f) The term ‘‘service bulletin,’’ as used in this AD, means Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–25–1544, dated October 4, 2006. Inspections (g) Before the accumulation of 36,000 total flight cycles, or within 72 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do a general visual inspection to determine if the support bracket of any A/C outlet extrusion between body station (BS) 360 and BS 907 has a two-rivet attachment fitting, then do the actions described by paragraph (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD; in accordance with part 2 of the accomplishment instructions of the service bulletin. (1) For any subject support bracket not attached with a two-rivet attachment fitting, no further action is required by paragraph (g) of this AD. (2) For any subject support bracket having a two-rivet attachment fitting, do mediumand high-frequency eddy current inspections for cracking of the frame around the attachment holes of the support bracket. If any cracking is discovered, before further flight, repair the cracking in accordance with part 3 of the accomplishment instructions of the service bulletin. cprice-sewell on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS Modification (h) Before the accumulation of 36,000 total flight cycles, or within 72 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace the support fittings of all A/C outlet extrusions between BS 360 and BS 907 with new, improved support fittings, in accordance with part 4 of the accomplishment instructions of the service bulletin. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i)(1) 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. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (3) 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 Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:35 May 24, 2007 Jkt 211001 Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 15, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–10137 Filed 5–24–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–28281; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–238–AD] Comments Invited RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 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 all Boeing Model 767 airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive replacement of the internal electrical feed-through connectors of the main fuel tank boost pumps. This proposed AD results from a report of cracking in the epoxy potting compound on the internal feed-through connector of the fuel boost pump in the area of the soldered wire connector lugs. We are proposing this AD to prevent a hazardous electrical path from the dry side to the wet side of the fuel boost pump through a cracked feed-through connector, which could create an ignition source on the wet side of the fuel boost pump and lead to subsequent explosion of the fuel tank. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 9, 2007. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590. • 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 Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207, for the service information identified in this proposed AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Judy Coyle, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6497; fax (425) 917–6590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Sfmt 4702 We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ‘‘FAA–2007–28281; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–238–AD’’ at the beginning 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 received 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 may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78), or you may visit https:// dms.dot.gov. 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 DOT E:\FR\FM\25MYP1.SGM 25MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 101 / Friday, May 25, 2007 / Proposed Rules street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System receives them. Discussion We have received a report that, after close examination of the internal electrical circuit of the fuel boost pump, supplier tests revealed cracking in the epoxy potting compound on the feedthrough connector in the area of the soldered wire connector lugs of several pumps. This condition, if not corrected, could allow a hazardous electrical path from the dry side to the wet side of the fuel boost pump through a cracked feedthrough connector, which could create an ignition source on the wet side of the fuel boost pump and lead to subsequent explosion of the fuel tank. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 767–28A0095 (for Model 767–200, –300, and –300F airplanes) and 767–28A0096 (for Model 767–400ER airplanes), both dated September 15, 2005, which describe procedures for repetitively replacing the internal electrical feed-through connectors of the main fuel tank boost pumps with new feed-through connectors. This may be accomplished by replacing the fuel boost pump with a new fuel boost pump or with a modified and re-identified fuel boost pump having a new feed-through connector installed. The alert service bulletins refer to Hamilton Sundstrand Alert Service Bulletin 5006003–28–A4, dated May 9, 2005, as an additional source of service information for replacing the feedthrough connector of the fuel boost pump. Costs of Compliance There are about 941 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 414 airplanes of U.S. registry, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. The proposed fuel boost pump replacement would take about 3 work hours per boost pump (4 boost pumps per airplane) or up to 12 work hours per airplane, per replacement cycle. The parts cost for replacement fuel boost pumps would be offset by returning the existing fuel boost pumps to the manufacturer for rework. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators to replace the fuel boost pumps is up to $397,440, or up to $960 per airplane, per replacement cycle. If done, the proposed feed-through connector replacement would take about 3 work hours per connector (4 connectors per airplane) or up to 12 work hours per airplane, per replacement cycle. Required parts would cost $691 per connector (up to $2,764 per airplane). Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators to replace the feed-through connectors is up to $1,541,736, or up to $3,724 per airplane, per replacement cycle. Authority for This Rulemaking 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. For this reason, we are proposing this AD, which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the Boeing service information described previously. 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. Interim Action Regulatory Findings We consider this proposed AD interim action. The manufacturer is currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, approved, and available, we may consider additional rulemaking. 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 cprice-sewell on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:35 May 24, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 29283 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 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, 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Boeing: FAA–2007–28281; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–238–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by July 9, 2007. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 767–200, –300, –300F, and –400ER series airplanes, certificated in any category. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from a report of cracking in the epoxy potting compound on the internal feed-through connector of the fuel boost pump in the area of the soldered wire connector lugs. We are issuing this AD to prevent a hazardous electrical path from the dry side to the wet side of the fuel boost pump through a cracked feed-through connector, which could create an ignition source on the wet side of the fuel boost pump and lead to subsequent explosion of the fuel tank. E:\FR\FM\25MYP1.SGM 25MYP1 29284 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 101 / Friday, May 25, 2007 / Proposed Rules Compliance POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION (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. [Docket No. RM2007–1; Order No. 15] Compliance Times Administrative Practice and Procedure, Postal Service (f) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767–28A0095 or 767–28A0096; both dated September 15, 2005; as applicable. (1) Within 96 months since the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness, or before the accumulation of 40,000 total flight hours, whichever comes first. (2) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD. Replacement of Fuel Boost Pump FeedThrough Connector (g) At the compliance time specified in paragraph (f) of this AD: Replace the feedthrough connector of each fuel boost pump as described in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD. Repeat this replacement thereafter at intervals not to exceed 40,000 flight hours or 96 months, whichever comes first. (1) Replace the fuel boost pump with a new fuel boost pump. (2) Replace the fuel boost pump with a modified and re-identified fuel boost pump having a new feed-through connector installed. Note 1: Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 767– 28A0095 and 767–28A0096 refer to Hamilton Sundstrand Alert Service Bulletin 5006003– 28–A4, dated May 9, 2005, as a source of service information for replacing the feedthrough connector and re-identifying the fuel boost pump. Parts Installation (h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a fuel boost pump on any airplane, unless that pump meets the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. cprice-sewell on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 17, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–10105 Filed 5–24–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:35 May 24, 2007 Jkt 211001 39 CFR Part 3001 Postal Regulatory Commission. Advance notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Commission has received general comments on the development of regulations implementing new statutory provisions pertaining to market dominant and competitive postal products. It now seeks more specific comments on the same topic. The Commission anticipates using these comments as guidance for drafting proposed regulations. DATES: Initial comments due June 18, 2007; reply comments due July 3, 2007. ADDRESSES: Submit comments electronically via the Commission’s Filing Online system at https://www. prc.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen L. Sharfman, General Counsel, 202–789–6820 and stephen.sharfman@prc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulatory History 72 FR 5230 (February 5, 2007). I. Introduction Thirty sets of initial comments were filed in response to Order No. 2, which afforded interested persons an opportunity to comment on how the Commission can best fulfill its responsibilities under the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA), Public Law 109–435, 120 Stat. 3198 (December 20, 2006), regarding establishing rate regulation for market dominant products and competitive products.1 Twenty-one sets of reply comments were also filed. The Commission appreciates those thoughtful and comprehensive comments and has found them very useful. For the most part, the comments are general in nature, taking a more global view of the type of regulations to be implemented, e.g., endorsing a lighthanded approach, or advocating that competitive products make the maximum possible contribution to institutional costs,2 rather than 1 PRC Order No. 2, Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Regulations Establishing a System of Ratemaking, Docket No. RM2007–1, January 30, 2007. 2 See, e.g., Initial Comments of the United States Postal Service, April 6, 2007, at 4–5; Comments of PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 suggesting specific proposals to implement the PAEA.3 In considering the regulations to be issued pursuant to sections 3622 and 3633 of the Postal Reorganization Act, as amended by the PAEA, the Commission concludes that the record would be enhanced by affording interested persons an opportunity to comment more specifically on potential ways to implement the statutory language prior to issuing proposed regulations. Therefore, the Commission is issuing this second advance notice of proposed rulemaking inviting interested persons to comment on specific issues central to implementing the necessary regulations. Interested persons are invited to comment on all (or any) of the following issues. Parties are encouraged to explain the basis for their position. The explanation need not be lengthy but should include whatever support the commenter believes to be relevant. Furthermore, although section III, below, addresses competitive products, persons primarily interested in market dominant products may wish to comment on common issues, e.g., section III, item 9, concerning the term ‘‘product.’’ Comments are due June 18, 2007. Reply comments are due July 3, 2007. Following this round of comments, the Commission intends to issue a formal notice of proposed rulemaking setting forth specific rules applicable to rate changes for market dominant and competitive products. Interested persons will have an opportunity to comment on those proposed rules. It is the Commission’s current expectation that the final rules on these topics will be issued before the end of October, 2007. II. Regulations Concerning Market Dominant Products 1. In Appendix C of its reply comments, the Postal Service provides a series of examples to illustrate its proposal for calculations that would Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers, National Association of Presort Mailers and National Postal Policy Council on Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, April 6, 2007, at 4; Initial Comments of Time Warner Inc. in Response to Commission Order No. 2, April 6, 2007, at 9; Comments of United Parcel Service in Response to Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Regulations Establishing a System of Ratemaking, April 6, 2007, at 5. 3 Some commenters did suggest that provisions of the PAEA be defined in certain ways. See, e.g., Reply Comments of the United States Postal Service, May 7, 2007, at 3–10, and Appendix C; Initial Comments of Pitney Bowes Inc. in Response to Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Regulations Establishing a System of Ratemaking, April 6, 2007, at 3–4, 17–20, 35–36; and Comments of the Parcel Shippers Association, April 6, 2007, at 24–26. E:\FR\FM\25MYP1.SGM 25MYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 101 (Friday, May 25, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29282-29284]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-10105]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28281; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-238-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 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 all Boeing Model 767 airplanes. This proposed AD would require 
repetitive replacement of the internal electrical feed-through 
connectors of the main fuel tank boost pumps. This proposed AD results 
from a report of cracking in the epoxy potting compound on the internal 
feed-through connector of the fuel boost pump in the area of the 
soldered wire connector lugs. We are proposing this AD to prevent a 
hazardous electrical path from the dry side to the wet side of the fuel 
boost pump through a cracked feed-through connector, which could create 
an ignition source on the wet side of the fuel boost pump and lead to 
subsequent explosion of the fuel tank.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 9, 2007.

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.
     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 Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207, for the service information identified in this 
proposed AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Judy Coyle, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
(425) 917-6497; 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 in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2007-
28281; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-238-AD'' at the beginning 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 received 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 may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
may visit https://dms.dot.gov.

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 DOT

[[Page 29283]]

street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

Discussion

    We have received a report that, after close examination of the 
internal electrical circuit of the fuel boost pump, supplier tests 
revealed cracking in the epoxy potting compound on the feed-through 
connector in the area of the soldered wire connector lugs of several 
pumps. This condition, if not corrected, could allow a hazardous 
electrical path from the dry side to the wet side of the fuel boost 
pump through a cracked feed-through connector, which could create an 
ignition source on the wet side of the fuel boost pump and lead to 
subsequent explosion of the fuel tank.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 767-28A0095 (for 
Model 767-200, -300, and -300F airplanes) and 767-28A0096 (for Model 
767-400ER airplanes), both dated September 15, 2005, which describe 
procedures for repetitively replacing the internal electrical feed-
through connectors of the main fuel tank boost pumps with new feed-
through connectors. This may be accomplished by replacing the fuel 
boost pump with a new fuel boost pump or with a modified and re-
identified fuel boost pump having a new feed-through connector 
installed.
    The alert service bulletins refer to Hamilton Sundstrand Alert 
Service Bulletin 5006003-28-A4, dated May 9, 2005, as an additional 
source of service information for replacing the feed-through connector 
of the fuel boost pump.

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. For this reason, we are proposing this AD, 
which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the Boeing 
service information described previously.

Interim Action

    We consider this proposed AD interim action. The manufacturer is 
currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe 
condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, 
approved, and available, we may consider additional rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 941 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 414 airplanes of 
U.S. registry, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour.
    The proposed fuel boost pump replacement would take about 3 work 
hours per boost pump (4 boost pumps per airplane) or up to 12 work 
hours per airplane, per replacement cycle. The parts cost for 
replacement fuel boost pumps would be offset by returning the existing 
fuel boost pumps to the manufacturer for rework. Based on these 
figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators to 
replace the fuel boost pumps is up to $397,440, or up to $960 per 
airplane, per replacement cycle.
    If done, the proposed feed-through connector replacement would take 
about 3 work hours per connector (4 connectors per airplane) or up to 
12 work hours per airplane, per replacement cycle. Required parts would 
cost $691 per connector (up to $2,764 per airplane). Based on these 
figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators to 
replace the feed-through connectors is up to $1,541,736, or up to 
$3,724 per airplane, per replacement cycle.

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 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, 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Boeing: FAA-2007-28281; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-238-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by July 9, 
2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 767-200, -300, -300F, 
and -400ER series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report of cracking in the epoxy 
potting compound on the internal feed-through connector of the fuel 
boost pump in the area of the soldered wire connector lugs. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent a hazardous electrical path from the dry 
side to the wet side of the fuel boost pump through a cracked feed-
through connector, which could create an ignition source on the wet 
side of the fuel boost pump and lead to subsequent explosion of the 
fuel tank.

[[Page 29284]]

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.

Compliance Times

    (f) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and 
(f)(2) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this 
AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 767-28A0095 or 767-28A0096; both dated 
September 15, 2005; as applicable.
    (1) Within 96 months since the date of issuance of the original 
standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the 
original export certificate of airworthiness, or before the 
accumulation of 40,000 total flight hours, whichever comes first.
    (2) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD.

Replacement of Fuel Boost Pump Feed-Through Connector

    (g) At the compliance time specified in paragraph (f) of this 
AD: Replace the feed-through connector of each fuel boost pump as 
described in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD. Repeat this 
replacement thereafter at intervals not to exceed 40,000 flight 
hours or 96 months, whichever comes first.
    (1) Replace the fuel boost pump with a new fuel boost pump.
    (2) Replace the fuel boost pump with a modified and re-
identified fuel boost pump having a new feed-through connector 
installed.

    Note 1: Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 767-28A0095 and 767-
28A0096 refer to Hamilton Sundstrand Alert Service Bulletin 5006003-
28-A4, dated May 9, 2005, as a source of service information for 
replacing the feed-through connector and re-identifying the fuel 
boost pump.

Parts Installation

    (h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
fuel boost pump on any airplane, unless that pump meets the 
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 17, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-10105 Filed 5-24-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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