Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Airplanes, 29282-29284 [E7-10105]
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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.
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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
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15:35 May 24, 2007
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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
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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
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FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
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15:35 May 24, 2007
Jkt 211001
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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.
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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
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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.
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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]
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