Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER Series Airplanes, 48591-48594 [E7-16661]
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48591
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 72, No. 164
Friday, August 24, 2007
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–29045; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–048–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 767–200, –300, and –400ER
Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 767–200, –300,
and –400ER series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require installing
new relay(s) and wiring to allow the
flightcrew to turn off electrical power to
the in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems
and certain circuit breakers through a
utility bus switch, and doing other
specified actions. This proposed AD
results from an IFE systems review. We
are proposing this AD to ensure that the
flightcrew is able to turn off electrical
power to IFE systems and other nonessential electrical systems through a
switch in the flight compartment. The
flightcrew’s inability to turn off power
to IFE systems and other non-essential
electrical systems during a non-normal
or emergency situation could result in
the inability to control smoke or fumes
in the airplane flight deck or cabin.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by October 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
VerDate Aug<31>2005
13:20 Aug 23, 2007
Jkt 211001
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room W12–140 on
the ground floor of the West Building,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
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:
Shohreh Safarian, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–
130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6418; 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–2007–29045; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–048–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
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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 Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The Docket Operations office (telephone
(800) 647–5527) is located on the
ground floor of the West Building at the
DOT street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
the Docket Management System receives
them.
Discussion
The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) completed a review of in-flight
entertainment (IFE) systems on
transport category airplanes. The review
focused on the interface between the IFE
system and airplane electrical system,
with the objective of determining if any
unsafe conditions exist with regard to
the interface.
The type of IFE systems considered
for review were those that contain video
monitors (cathode ray tubes or liquid
crystal displays, either hanging above
the aisle or mounted on individual seat
backs or seat trays), or complex circuitry
(i.e., power supplies, electronic
distribution boxes, extensive wire
routing, relatively high power
consumption, multiple layers of circuit
protection, etc.). In addition, in-seat
power supply systems that provide
power to more than 20 percent of the
total passenger seats were also
considered for the review. The types of
IFE systems not considered for review
include systems that provide only audio
signals to each passenger seat, ordinary
in-flight telephone systems (e.g., one
telephone handset per group of seats or
bulkhead-mounted telephones), systems
that have only a video monitor on the
forward bulkhead(s) (or a projection
system) to provide passengers with
basic airplane and flight information,
and in-seat power supply systems that
provide power to less than 20 percent of
the total passenger seats.
Items considered during the review
include the following:
• Can the electrical bus(es) supplying
power to the IFE system be de-energized
when necessary without removing
power from systems that might be
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 164 / Friday, August 24, 2007 / Proposed Rules
rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS
required for continued safe flight and
landing?
• Can IFE system power be removed
when required without pulling IFE
system circuit breakers (i.e., is there a
switch (dedicated to the IFE system or
a combination of loads) located in the
flight deck or cabin that can be used to
remove IFE power?)?
• If the IFE system requires changes
to flightcrew procedures, has the
airplane flight manual (AFM) been
properly amended?
• If the IFE system requires changes
to cabin crew procedures, have they
been properly amended?
• Does the IFE system require
periodic or special maintenance?
In all, we reviewed approximately 180
IFE systems. The review results indicate
that potential unsafe conditions exist on
some IFE systems installed on various
transport category airplanes. These
conditions can be summarized as:
• Electrical bus(es) supplying power
to the IFE system cannot be deenergized when necessary without
removing power from systems that
might be required for continued safe
flight and landing.
• Power cannot be removed from the
IFE system when required without
pulling IFE system circuit breakers (i.e.,
there is no switch dedicated to the IFE
system or combination of systems for
the purpose of removing power).
• Installation of the IFE system has
affected crew (flightcrew and/or cabin
crew) procedures, but the procedures
have not been properly revised.
Boeing has received numerous reports
of smoke or flames in the passenger
cabin of Model 767–200, –300, and
–400ER series airplanes. Investigation
revealed that the source of the smoke
and flames was the wiring for nonessential equipment in the passenger
cabin. Currently, the flightcrew is not
able to turn off power to the IFE system
and other non-essential passenger cabin
systems through utility bus switches in
the flight compartment, in the event of
smoke or fumes. The flightcrew’s
inability to turn off electrical power to
the IFE system and other non-essential
passenger cabin systems, if not
corrected, could result in the inability to
control smoke or fumes in the airplane
flight deck or passenger cabin during a
non-normal or emergency situation.
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13:20 Aug 23, 2007
Jkt 211001
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Service
Bulletin 767–24–0147, dated February
20, 2003, for Model 767–400ER series
airplanes. This service bulletin
describes procedures for installing a
new relay and wiring to allow the
flightcrew to turn off electrical power to
the IFE systems and certain circuit
breakers through the left utility bus
switch and doing other specified
actions. The other specified actions
include installing a terminal module in
the P87 panel, rerouting certain wires,
and testing the electrical power for the
video system.
We have also reviewed Boeing Service
Bulletin 767–24–0148, dated September
14, 2006; Boeing Service Bulletin 767–
24–0149, dated September 14, 2006;
Boeing Service Bulletin 767–24–0150,
dated September 21, 2006; and Boeing
Service Bulletin 767–24–0151, dated
September 14, 2006; for Model 767–300
series airplanes. These service bulletins
describe procedures for installing new
relay(s) and wiring to allow the
flightcrew to turn off electrical power to
the IFE system and the IFE video and
audio circuit breakers through the right
utility bus switch and doing other
specified actions. The other specified
actions include removing certain
wire(s), rerouting certain wires, and
testing the passenger IFE and video
systems.
We have also reviewed Boeing Service
Bulletin 767–24–0152, dated September
29, 2006; and Boeing Service Bulletin
767–24–0153, dated September 29,
2006; for Model 767–200 and –300
series airplanes. These service bulletins
describe procedures for installing new
relays and wiring to allow the flightcrew
to turn off electrical power to the IFE
system and the IFE video and audio
circuit breakers through the right utility
bus switch and doing other specified
actions. The other specified actions
include replacing the electrical system
control panel with a new or modified
control panel, installing a terminal
module, removing certain wires,
rerouting certain wires, and testing the
passenger IFE and video systems.
We have also reviewed Boeing Service
Bulletin 767–24–0154, dated September
26, 2002, for Model 767–200 and –300
series airplanes. This service bulletin
describes procedures for installing a
new relay and wiring to allow the
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
flightcrew to turn off electrical power to
the IFE systems and certain circuit
breakers through the right utility bus
switch and doing other specified
actions. The other specified actions
include installing a terminal module in
the P101 panel, rerouting certain wires,
and testing the electrical power for the
video system.
Accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information is intended to
adequately address the unsafe
condition.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent
information and identified an unsafe
condition that is likely to exist or
develop on other airplanes of this same
type design. For this reason, we are
proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information described
previously, except as discussed under
‘‘Difference Between the Proposed AD
and Certain Service Bulletins.’’
Difference Between the Proposed AD
and Certain Service Bulletins
Boeing Service Bulletins 767–24–0147
and 767–24–0154 do not recommend a
compliance time for installing the new
relays and wiring. In developing an
appropriate compliance time for
accomplishing the actions in that
service bulletin, we considered the
degree of urgency associated with the
subject unsafe condition, the average
utilization of the affected fleet, and the
time necessary to perform the
installation (10 hours). We also
considered the recommended
compliance time in other service
bulletins that describe accomplishing
similar actions on Model 767–200 and
–300 series airplanes. In light of all of
these factors, we find that a 60-month
compliance time represents an
appropriate amount of time for affected
airplanes to continue to operate without
compromising safety. This difference
has been coordinated with Boeing.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 316 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet.
The following table provides the
estimated costs, at an average labor rate
of $80 per hour, for U.S. operators to
comply with this proposed AD.
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ESTIMATED COSTS
Model
767–400ER series airplanes ..
767–300 series airplanes .......
767–300 series airplanes .......
767–300 series airplanes .......
767–300 series airplanes .......
767–200 and –300 series airplanes.
767–200 and –300 series airplanes.
767–200 and –300 series airplanes.
Work hours
Parts
Cost per airplane
767–24–0147
767–24–0148
767–24–0149
767–24–0150
767–24–0151
767–24–0152
10 ........................
Up to 59 ..............
49 ........................
42 ........................
Up to 42 ..............
42 ........................
$995 .........................
Up to $5,079 ............
$4,077 ......................
$5,812 ......................
Up to $10,047 ..........
$12,280 ....................
$1,795 ......................
Up to $9,799 ............
$7,997 ......................
$9,172 ......................
Up to $13,407 ..........
$15,640 ....................
2
0
7
1
0
86
$3,590
0
55,979
9,172
0
1,345,040
767–24–0153
42 ........................
$7,751 ......................
$11,111 ....................
5
55,555
767–24–0154
9 ..........................
$1,257 ......................
$1,977 ......................
10
19,770
rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS
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
VerDate Aug<31>2005
13:20 Aug 23, 2007
Number
of U.S.registered
airplanes
Boeing
Service
Bulletin
Jkt 211001
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: Docket No. FAA–2007–29045;
Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–048–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on
this AD action by October 9, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the airplanes
identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and
(c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Boeing Model 767–200 and –300 series
airplanes, as identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 767–24–0152, dated September 29,
2006; Boeing Service Bulletin 767–24–0153,
dated September 29, 2006; and Boeing
Service Bulletin 767–24–0154, dated
September 26, 2002.
(2) Boeing Model 767–300 series airplanes,
as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 767–
24–0148, dated September 14, 2006; Boeing
Service Bulletin 767–24–0149, dated
September 14, 2006; Boeing Service Bulletin
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
U.S. fleet
cost
767–24–0150, dated September 21, 2006; and
Boeing Service Bulletin 767–24–0151, dated
September 14, 2006.
(3) Boeing Model 767–400ER series
airplanes, as identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 767–24–0147, dated February 20,
2003.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from an in-flight
entertainment (IFE) systems review. We are
issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew
is able to turn off electrical power to IFE
systems and other non-essential electrical
systems through a switch in the flight
compartment. The flightcrew’s inability to
turn off power to IFE systems and other nonessential electrical systems during a nonnormal or emergency situation could result
in the inability to control smoke or fumes in
the airplane flight deck or cabin.
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.
Installing New Relays on Certain Model
767–200 and –300 Series Airplanes
(f) For the airplanes identified in paragraph
(c)(1) of this AD: Within 60 months after the
effective date of this AD, install new relays
and wiring to allow the flightcrew to turn off
electrical power to the IFE system and certain
circuit breakers through the right utility bus
switch and do all other specified actions, by
accomplishing all of the applicable actions
specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767–
24–0152, dated September 29, 2006; Boeing
Service Bulletin 767–24–0153, dated
September 29, 2006; and Boeing Service
Bulletin 767–24–0154, dated September 26,
2002; as applicable. The other specified
actions must be done before further flight
after installing the new relays and wiring.
Installing New Relays on Certain Model
767–300 Series Airplanes
(g) For the airplanes identified in
paragraph (c)(2) of this AD: Within 60
months after the effective date of this AD,
install new relay(s) and wiring to allow the
flightcrew to turn off electrical power to the
IFE system and the IFE video and audio
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 164 / Friday, August 24, 2007 / Proposed Rules
circuit breakers through the right utility bus
switch and do all other specified actions as
applicable, by accomplishing all of the
applicable actions specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 767–24–0148, dated
September 14, 2006; Boeing Service Bulletin
767–24–0149, dated September 14, 2006;
Boeing Service Bulletin 767–24–0150, dated
September 21, 2006; and Boeing Service
Bulletin 767–24–0151, dated September 14,
2006; as applicable. The other specified
actions must be done before further flight
after installing the new relay(s) and wiring.
Installing New Relays on Certain Model
767–400ER Series Airplanes
(h) For the airplanes identified in
paragraph (c)(3) of this AD: Within 60
months after the effective date of this AD,
install a new relay and wiring to allow the
flightcrew to turn off electrical power to
some of the IFE systems and certain circuit
breakers through the left utility bus switch
and do all other specified actions, by
accomplishing all of the actions specified in
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 767–24–0147, dated
February 20, 2003. The other specified
actions must be done before further flight
after installing the new relay and wiring.
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) 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
14, 2007.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–16661 Filed 8–23–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–29031; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–130–AD]
rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, and
–900 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
AGENCY:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
13:20 Aug 23, 2007
Jkt 211001
Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 737–600, –700,
–700C, –800, and –900 series airplanes.
This proposed AD would require
repetitive inspections of either the aft
side or forward side of the aft pressure
bulkhead for oil can conditions or
bulges, a one-time inspection of the aft
pressure bulkhead to identify any
previously installed web repair, and
corrective actions if necessary. This
proposed AD results from web oil can
conditions found on the aft pressure
bulkhead of several airplanes. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct
oil can conditions, bulges, or previous
repairs in the aft pressure bulkhead,
which could lead to web cracks and
consequently result in rapid
decompression of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by October 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: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room W12–140 on
the ground floor of the West Building,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
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:
Howard Hall, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6430; 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
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
ADDRESSES section. Include the docket
number ‘‘FAA–2007–29031; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–130–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 Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The Docket Operations office (telephone
(800) 647–5527) is located on the
ground floor of the West Building at the
DOT 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 indicating
that ‘‘oil cans’’ or ‘‘bulges’’ have been
found on the aft pressure bulkhead web
of several Boeing Model 737–600, –700,
–700C, –800, and –900 series airplanes.
(An oil can is defined as an area on the
pressure dome web that has visibly
deviated forward from the initial
contour of the pressured dome web. A
bulge is defined as an area on the
pressure dome web that has visibly
deviated aft from the initial contour of
the pressure dome web.) Oil can
conditions or bulges in the aft pressure
bulkhead, if not corrected, could lead to
web cracks and consequently result in
rapid decompression of the airplane.
In addition, some operators may have
previously repaired an oil can condition
in accordance with the Boeing 737–600/
700/700C/800/900 Structural Repair
Manuals (SRMs). The latest revision of
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[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 164 (Friday, August 24, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48591-48594]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-16661]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 164 / Friday, August 24, 2007 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 48591]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-29045; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-048-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER series airplanes.
This proposed AD would require installing new relay(s) and wiring to
allow the flightcrew to turn off electrical power to the in-flight
entertainment (IFE) systems and certain circuit breakers through a
utility bus switch, and doing other specified actions. This proposed AD
results from an IFE systems review. We are proposing this AD to ensure
that the flightcrew is able to turn off electrical power to IFE systems
and other non-essential electrical systems through a switch in the
flight compartment. The flightcrew's inability to turn off power to IFE
systems and other non-essential electrical systems during a non-normal
or emergency situation could result in the inability to control smoke
or fumes in the airplane flight deck or cabin.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 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: Shohreh Safarian, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 917-6418; 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-
29045; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-048-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 Operations office between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The
Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is located on the
ground floor of the West Building at the DOT street address stated in
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after the Docket Management System receives them.
Discussion
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) completed a review of in-
flight entertainment (IFE) systems on transport category airplanes. The
review focused on the interface between the IFE system and airplane
electrical system, with the objective of determining if any unsafe
conditions exist with regard to the interface.
The type of IFE systems considered for review were those that
contain video monitors (cathode ray tubes or liquid crystal displays,
either hanging above the aisle or mounted on individual seat backs or
seat trays), or complex circuitry (i.e., power supplies, electronic
distribution boxes, extensive wire routing, relatively high power
consumption, multiple layers of circuit protection, etc.). In addition,
in-seat power supply systems that provide power to more than 20 percent
of the total passenger seats were also considered for the review. The
types of IFE systems not considered for review include systems that
provide only audio signals to each passenger seat, ordinary in-flight
telephone systems (e.g., one telephone handset per group of seats or
bulkhead-mounted telephones), systems that have only a video monitor on
the forward bulkhead(s) (or a projection system) to provide passengers
with basic airplane and flight information, and in-seat power supply
systems that provide power to less than 20 percent of the total
passenger seats.
Items considered during the review include the following:
Can the electrical bus(es) supplying power to the IFE
system be de-energized when necessary without removing power from
systems that might be
[[Page 48592]]
required for continued safe flight and landing?
Can IFE system power be removed when required without
pulling IFE system circuit breakers (i.e., is there a switch (dedicated
to the IFE system or a combination of loads) located in the flight deck
or cabin that can be used to remove IFE power?)?
If the IFE system requires changes to flightcrew
procedures, has the airplane flight manual (AFM) been properly amended?
If the IFE system requires changes to cabin crew
procedures, have they been properly amended?
Does the IFE system require periodic or special
maintenance?
In all, we reviewed approximately 180 IFE systems. The review
results indicate that potential unsafe conditions exist on some IFE
systems installed on various transport category airplanes. These
conditions can be summarized as:
Electrical bus(es) supplying power to the IFE system
cannot be de-energized when necessary without removing power from
systems that might be required for continued safe flight and landing.
Power cannot be removed from the IFE system when required
without pulling IFE system circuit breakers (i.e., there is no switch
dedicated to the IFE system or combination of systems for the purpose
of removing power).
Installation of the IFE system has affected crew
(flightcrew and/or cabin crew) procedures, but the procedures have not
been properly revised.
Boeing has received numerous reports of smoke or flames in the
passenger cabin of Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER series airplanes.
Investigation revealed that the source of the smoke and flames was the
wiring for non-essential equipment in the passenger cabin. Currently,
the flightcrew is not able to turn off power to the IFE system and
other non-essential passenger cabin systems through utility bus
switches in the flight compartment, in the event of smoke or fumes. The
flightcrew's inability to turn off electrical power to the IFE system
and other non-essential passenger cabin systems, if not corrected,
could result in the inability to control smoke or fumes in the airplane
flight deck or passenger cabin during a non-normal or emergency
situation.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0147, dated
February 20, 2003, for Model 767-400ER series airplanes. This service
bulletin describes procedures for installing a new relay and wiring to
allow the flightcrew to turn off electrical power to the IFE systems
and certain circuit breakers through the left utility bus switch and
doing other specified actions. The other specified actions include
installing a terminal module in the P87 panel, rerouting certain wires,
and testing the electrical power for the video system.
We have also reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0148, dated
September 14, 2006; Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0149, dated
September 14, 2006; Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0150, dated
September 21, 2006; and Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0151, dated
September 14, 2006; for Model 767-300 series airplanes. These service
bulletins describe procedures for installing new relay(s) and wiring to
allow the flightcrew to turn off electrical power to the IFE system and
the IFE video and audio circuit breakers through the right utility bus
switch and doing other specified actions. The other specified actions
include removing certain wire(s), rerouting certain wires, and testing
the passenger IFE and video systems.
We have also reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0152, dated
September 29, 2006; and Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0153, dated
September 29, 2006; for Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. These
service bulletins describe procedures for installing new relays and
wiring to allow the flightcrew to turn off electrical power to the IFE
system and the IFE video and audio circuit breakers through the right
utility bus switch and doing other specified actions. The other
specified actions include replacing the electrical system control panel
with a new or modified control panel, installing a terminal module,
removing certain wires, rerouting certain wires, and testing the
passenger IFE and video systems.
We have also reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0154, dated
September 26, 2002, for Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. This
service bulletin describes procedures for installing a new relay and
wiring to allow the flightcrew to turn off electrical power to the IFE
systems and certain circuit breakers through the right utility bus
switch and doing other specified actions. The other specified actions
include installing a terminal module in the P101 panel, rerouting
certain wires, and testing the electrical power for the video system.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD,
which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously, except as discussed under
``Difference Between the Proposed AD and Certain Service Bulletins.''
Difference Between the Proposed AD and Certain Service Bulletins
Boeing Service Bulletins 767-24-0147 and 767-24-0154 do not
recommend a compliance time for installing the new relays and wiring.
In developing an appropriate compliance time for accomplishing the
actions in that service bulletin, we considered the degree of urgency
associated with the subject unsafe condition, the average utilization
of the affected fleet, and the time necessary to perform the
installation (10 hours). We also considered the recommended compliance
time in other service bulletins that describe accomplishing similar
actions on Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. In light of all of
these factors, we find that a 60-month compliance time represents an
appropriate amount of time for affected airplanes to continue to
operate without compromising safety. This difference has been
coordinated with Boeing.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 316 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs, at
an average labor rate of $80 per hour, for U.S. operators to comply
with this proposed AD.
[[Page 48593]]
Estimated Costs
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Number of
Boeing U.S.- U.S. fleet
Model Service Work hours Parts Cost per airplane registered cost
Bulletin airplanes
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767-400ER series airplanes.......... 767-24-0147 10..................... $995................... $1,795................ 2 $3,590
767-300 series airplanes............ 767-24-0148 Up to 59............... Up to $5,079........... Up to $9,799.......... 0 0
767-300 series airplanes............ 767-24-0149 49..................... $4,077................. $7,997................ 7 55,979
767-300 series airplanes............ 767-24-0150 42..................... $5,812................. $9,172................ 1 9,172
767-300 series airplanes............ 767-24-0151 Up to 42............... Up to $10,047.......... Up to $13,407......... 0 0
767-200 and -300 series airplanes... 767-24-0152 42..................... $12,280................ $15,640............... 86 1,345,040
767-200 and -300 series airplanes... 767-24-0153 42..................... $7,751................. $11,111............... 5 55,555
767-200 and -300 series airplanes... 767-24-0154 9...................... $1,257................. $1,977................ 10 19,770
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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: Docket No. FAA-2007-29045; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
048-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by October
9, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes, as
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0152, dated September
29, 2006; Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0153, dated September 29,
2006; and Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0154, dated September 26,
2002.
(2) Boeing Model 767-300 series airplanes, as identified in
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0148, dated September 14, 2006;
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0149, dated September 14, 2006;
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0150, dated September 21, 2006; and
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0151, dated September 14, 2006.
(3) Boeing Model 767-400ER series airplanes, as identified in
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0147, dated February 20, 2003.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from an in-flight entertainment (IFE)
systems review. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew
is able to turn off electrical power to IFE systems and other non-
essential electrical systems through a switch in the flight
compartment. The flightcrew's inability to turn off power to IFE
systems and other non-essential electrical systems during a non-
normal or emergency situation could result in the inability to
control smoke or fumes in the airplane flight deck or cabin.
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.
Installing New Relays on Certain Model 767-200 and -300 Series
Airplanes
(f) For the airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD:
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, install new
relays and wiring to allow the flightcrew to turn off electrical
power to the IFE system and certain circuit breakers through the
right utility bus switch and do all other specified actions, by
accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0152,
dated September 29, 2006; Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0153, dated
September 29, 2006; and Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0154, dated
September 26, 2002; as applicable. The other specified actions must
be done before further flight after installing the new relays and
wiring.
Installing New Relays on Certain Model 767-300 Series Airplanes
(g) For the airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD:
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, install new
relay(s) and wiring to allow the flightcrew to turn off electrical
power to the IFE system and the IFE video and audio
[[Page 48594]]
circuit breakers through the right utility bus switch and do all
other specified actions as applicable, by accomplishing all of the
applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0148, dated September 14, 2006;
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0149, dated September 14, 2006;
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0150, dated September 21, 2006; and
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0151, dated September 14, 2006; as
applicable. The other specified actions must be done before further
flight after installing the new relay(s) and wiring.
Installing New Relays on Certain Model 767-400ER Series Airplanes
(h) For the airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(3) of this AD:
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, install a new
relay and wiring to allow the flightcrew to turn off electrical
power to some of the IFE systems and certain circuit breakers
through the left utility bus switch and do all other specified
actions, by accomplishing all of the actions specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-24-0147,
dated February 20, 2003. The other specified actions must be done
before further flight after installing the new relay and wiring.
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) 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 14, 2007.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-16661 Filed 8-23-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
