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[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 157 (Thursday, August 14, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47597-47599]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-19248]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0571; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-059-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER series 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of the engine 
indication and crew alerting system (EICAS) display system 
malfunctioning during flight. This proposed AD would require an 
inspection for plastic couplings, corrective actions if necessary, and 
installation of new spray shrouds. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
an uncontrolled water leak from a defective potable water system 
coupling, which could cause the main equipment center (MEC) line 
replaceable units (LRUs) to become wet, resulting in an electrical 
short and potential loss of several functions essential for safe 
flight.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 29, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     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.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0571; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stanley Chen, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6585; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
stanley.chen@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0571; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-059-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

[[Page 47598]]

Discussion

    We received a report of the EICAS display system malfunctioning 
during flight. An investigation determined that the problems were 
caused by a water leak from a fractured plastic potable water coupling. 
We are proposing this AD to prevent an uncontrolled water leak from a 
defective potable water system coupling. This condition, if not 
corrected, could cause the MEC LRUs to become wet, resulting in an 
electrical short and potential loss of several functions essential for 
safe flight.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, dated 
November 12, 2013. For information on the procedures and compliance 
times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0571.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type 
designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.
    The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD. 
``Corrective actions'' are actions that correct or address any 
condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include, for 
example, repairs.

Explanation of ``RC'' Steps in Service Information

    The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the 
Airworthiness Directives Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee, 
to enhance the AD system. One enhancement was a new process for 
annotating which steps in the service information are required for 
compliance with an AD. Differentiating these steps from other tasks in 
the service information is expected to improve an owner's/operator's 
understanding of crucial AD requirements and help provide consistent 
judgment in AD compliance. The actions specified in the service 
information described previously include steps that are labeled as RC 
(required for compliance) because these steps have a direct effect on 
detecting, preventing, resolving, or eliminating an identified unsafe 
condition.
    As noted in the specified service information, steps labeled as RC 
must be done to comply with the proposed AD. However, steps that are 
not labeled as RC are recommended. Those steps that are not labeled as 
RC may be deviated from, done as part of other actions, or done using 
accepted methods different from those identified in the service 
information without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the steps 
labeled as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in a 
serviceable condition. Any substitutions or changes to steps labeled as 
RC will require approval of an alternative method of compliance.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 139 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 1--General visual inspection..  Up to 3 work-hours x $85                 $0            $255         $35,445
                                      per hour = $255.
Part 2--General visual inspection    2 work-hours x 85 per hour                0             170           5,440
 (Groups 9 and 10).                   = 170.
Install spray shrouds..............  3 work-hours x 85 per hour              330             585          81,315
                                      = 255.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of coupling....................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85...             $53            $183
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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 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.

[[Page 47599]]

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this 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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2014-0571; Directorate Identifier 
2014-NM-059-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 29, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-200,-300, and-
400ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified 
in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, dated November 12, 
2013.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 38, Water/Waste.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of the engine indication and 
crew alerting system (EICAS) display system malfunctioning during 
flight. We are issuing this AD to prevent an uncontrolled water leak 
from a defective potable water system coupling, which could cause 
the main equipment center (MEC) line replaceable units (LRUs) to 
become wet, resulting in an electrical short and potential loss of 
several functions essential for safe flight.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection and Installation

    At the applicable times identified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, dated 
November 12, 2013, except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: 
Do a general visual inspection for plastic potable water couplings, 
do all applicable corrective actions, and install new spray shrouds 
(including a new hose assembly, as applicable), in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
767-38A0073, dated November 12, 2013. Do all applicable corrective 
actions within the compliance time identified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, dated 
November 12, 2013, except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD.

(h) Exception to the Service Information

    Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 767-38A0073, dated November 12, 2013, specifies a 
compliance time ``after the original issue date of this service 
bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within the specified 
compliance time after the effective date of this AD.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install any 
plastic potable water coupling having part number (P/N) CA620 or P/N 
CA625 on any airplane.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) If the service information contains steps that are labeled 
as RC (Required for Compliance), those steps must be done to comply 
with this AD; any steps that are not labeled as RC are recommended. 
Those steps that are not labeled as RC may be deviated from, done as 
part of other actions, or done using accepted methods different from 
those identified in the specified service information without 
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the steps labeled as RC can 
be done and the airplane can be put back in a serviceable condition. 
Any substitutions or changes to steps labeled as RC require approval 
of an AMOC.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Stanley Chen, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, 
ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6585; fax: 
425-917-6590; email: stanley.chen@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 4, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-19248 Filed 8-13-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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