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 Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-0762; Project Identifier AD-2023-01194-T; Amendment 39-22911; AD 2024-25-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
 AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
 ACTION: Final rule.
 SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of several occurrences of a power transfer unit (PTU) control valve that failed to open when commanded. This AD requires installing new relays and changing certain wire bundles leading to the PTU control valve. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
 DATES: This AD is effective February 14, 2025. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 14, 2025.
 ADDRESSES:  *AD Docket:*
                         You may examine the AD docket at 
                        *regulations.gov*
                         under Docket No. FAA-2024-0762; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. *Material Incorporated by Reference:* For Boeing material identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; website*myboeingfleet.com*.
                    You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at*regulations.gov*
                         under Docket No. FAA-2024-0762.
 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Katherine Venegas, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 562-627-5353; email: 
                        *katherine.venegas@faa.gov*.


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
                    **Federal Register**
                     on 
                    ( print page 1851)
                    March 25, 2024 (89 FR 20565). The NPRM was prompted by reports of several occurrences of a PTU control valve that failed to open when commanded. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require installing new relays and changing certain wire bundles leading to the PTU control valve. The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of the PTU control valve, which in conjunction with a loss of the left engine or engine-driven pump (EDP) during takeoff, may result in a failure of the landing gear to retract in a timely manner. This condition, if not addressed, could add drag, affect climb gradient, and prevent the airplane from clearing obstacles on takeoff. This condition can result in loss of continued safe flight and landing. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change. The FAA received additional comments from Aviation Partners Boeing (APB), Boeing, Delta Air Lines (Delta), and United Parcel Service Airlines (UPS Airlines). United Airlines (United) supported the NPRM and also provided additional comments, as discussed below. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment. Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions APB stated that the installation of winglets per Supplemental Type Certificate STC ST01518SE does not affect the accomplishment of the manufacturer's service instructions. The FAA agrees with the commenter that STC ST01518SE does not affect the accomplishment of the manufacturer's service instructions. Therefore, the installation of STC ST01518SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard. Request To Revise Unsafe Condition Statement Boeing requested two changes in the description of the unsafe condition. One change is in the description of the state of the landing gear retraction abilities from “may result in a failure of the landing gear to retract” to “may result in a failure of the landing gear to retract in a timely manner.” Boeing explained that the left hydraulic system's electric motor pump would still function, but has a smaller output capacity that results in being unable to retract the landing gear in the time required to clear obstacles. The other requested change is to clarify what conditions lead up to the slowed retraction of the landing gear. Boeing explained that loss of either the left engine or the EDP would lead to use of the electric motor pump and requested that the related phrase “left engine and engine driven pump (EDP)” be changed to “left engine and/or engine driven pump (EDP).” The FAA agrees to revise the unsafe condition statement. The revisions provide a more accurate description of the unsafe condition and of what conditions lead up to a slow retraction of the landing gear. However, the FAA has revised “left engine and engine driven pump (EDP)” to “left engine or engine-driven pump (EDP)” instead of using “and/or.” Although both failure conditions can occur, only one of the conditions is necessary to affect the landing gear retraction. The FAA has revised the Background section of this final rule and paragraph (e) of this AD accordingly. Requests To Revise AD To Address Missing Information in Service Information Boeing stated that additional engineering definition for wire routing is necessary for a group of airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-29A0071, dated November 16, 2023, and Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 75-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023, and that the service bulletin and requirements bulletin will be revised. Delta and United requested that paragraph (h) of the proposed AD be revised to add an exception to address the errors in the wire routing definition for the airplanes identified as Group 3 airplanes in Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023 (Group 3 airplanes). United also proposed that paragraph (g) of the proposed AD be revised to incorporate Revision 1 of Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, if it is created prior to the release of this AD. Both Delta and United noted that Boeing published Information Notice 757-29A0071 IN 01 to inform operators of issues with work instructions for the Group 3 airplanes and advised to stop work on those airplanes until new service information is published. United also reasoned that the requested revision would help United and other operators of Group 3 airplanes avoid applying for an AMOC when the final rule is issued. The FAA agrees with the need to provide additional definition for wire routing that affects Group 3 airplanes because those airplanes would be unable to comply with the instructions provided in Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023. However, the FAA does not agree to revise the AD to reference Revision 1 of Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, or to add an exception to address the errors in the instructions for Group 3 airplanes. A later revision of Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023, has not been issued and the publication date is yet to be determined. To delay this action until the revised service information is published would be inappropriate since the FAA has determined that an unsafe condition exists and that the actions must be conducted on the other affected groups of airplanes to ensure continued safety. Operators may apply for approval to use later revisions as an alternative method of compliance with this AD under the provisions of paragraph (i) of this AD. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard. Request To Add an Exception To Allow Alternative Positions for Connectors Delta requested that paragraph (h) of the proposed AD be revised to add an exception that would allow the use of available connector positions on panels and disconnects other than the ones defined in Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023. Delta explained that the figures in Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023, are specific in defining positions within the panels and disconnects where the connectors will be installed. Delta also stated that the specific location of the connector installation and disconnects in the panel are not necessary for the function of the system. Delta reasoned that allowing operators to install the connectors in alternative available positions would be acceptable for compliance with the proposed AD while also giving operators flexibility in addressing variations in each airplane's existing wiring. The FAA agrees that using only the defined positions within the panels and disconnect brackets for the new connectors to be installed is not necessary to address the unsafe condition, and that allowing alternatives would provide flexibility in complying with the requirements of this AD on airplanes that might have different wiring configurations. The action to perform the operational test verifies the functionality of the system and will 
                    ( print page 1852)
                    continue to be required. The FAA has added an exception to paragraph (h) of this AD to allow for installing connectors in alternative available positions on panels and disconnect brackets than those defined in Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023. Request To Allow Use of Other Kit Materials Delta requested a revision to paragraph (h) of the proposed AD to add an exception that would allow the use of operator-supplied materials that are the same as the Boeing-supplied materials in the parts kit specified in Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023. Delta explained that Boeing kits expire within 3 months because of a limitation on the placard (decal) adhesive and opined that operators should have the ability to supply the same decal if the Boeing-supplied decal expires before use. In addition, Delta also reasoned that operators should be able to supply their own materials if Boeing-supplied kits are not available in time to avoid delays in compliance with the proposed AD. The FAA does not agree to revise this AD regarding this request. The Boeing-supplied kits are specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-29A0071, dated November 16, 2023, which is not required by this AD. This AD requires Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023, which identifies parts that are required for compliance. This AD does not require procuring the Boeing-supplied kits that are specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-29A0071, dated November 16, 2023. No revision to this AD is necessary in this regard. Request To Extend Compliance Time Due to Parts Availability UPS Airlines requested a revision to paragraph (h) of the proposed AD to add an exception to a compliance time identified in Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023. This requested exception would extend the calendar time limit from the proposed 30 months after the effective date of the AD to 36 months after the effective date of the AD. UPS Airlines explained that the availability of the Boeing-supplied parts kit could affect the ability to comply with the proposed compliance times. UPS Airlines stated that there are only 15 of the Boeing-supplied kits in stock as of the date of the NPRM, with an anticipated lead time of 175 to 352 days if all 15 kits are purchased and the inventory depleted. UPS Airlines added that they have 429 airplanes in a configuration group that would require the same part kit. The FAA does not agree to revise the AD regarding this issue. As explained in the previous comment, the Boeing-supplied kits are not part of the requirements of Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023, and are specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-29A0071, dated November 16, 2023, thus operators may procure the parts from their supplies without an AMOC or revision to this AD. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this action, the FAA considered the recommendations of the manufacturer, the urgency associated with the subject unsafe condition, the availability of required parts, and the practical aspect of accomplishing the required modification within a period of time that corresponds to the normal scheduled maintenance for most affected operators. In consideration of these items, the FAA has determined that the compliance time of 30 months or 2,760 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, will ensure an acceptable level of safety. However, under the provisions of paragraph (i) of this AD, the FAA will consider requests for approval of an extension of the compliance time if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that new compliance times would provide an acceptable level of safety. Conclusion The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023. This material specifies procedures for changing the wire bundle from circuit breaker C4054 to the P33 panel, installing new relays in the P33 panel, and changing wire bundles to the PTU control valve. This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
                    **ADDRESSES**
                     section. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 467 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: Estimated Costs
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per 
                             product
Cost on U.S. 
                             operatorsInstallations, changes, and tests
45 work-hours × $85 per hour = $3,825
$3,260
$7,085
$3,308,695
 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. 
 
 The FAA is 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 This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866, (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation
Aircraft
Aviation safety
Incorporation by reference
Safety
 The Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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
 2.The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: **2024-25-09 The Boeing Company:**
                             Amendment 39-22911; Docket No. FAA-2024-0762; Project Identifier AD-2023-01194-T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 14, 2025. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category, and identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29, Hydraulic power. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of several occurrences of a power transfer unit (PTU) control valve that failed to open when commanded. The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of the PTU control valve, which, in conjunction with a loss of the left engine or engine-driven pump (EDP) during takeoff, may result in a failure of the landing gear to retract in a timely manner. This condition, if not addressed, could add additional drag, affect climb gradient, and prevent the ability to clear obstacles on takeoff. This condition can result in loss of continued safe flight and landing. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the applicable times specified in the “Compliance” paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023. Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-29A0071, dated November 16, 2023, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023. (h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications (1) Where the Compliance Time column of the tables in the “Compliance” paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023, uses the phrase “the Original Issue date of Requirements Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB,” this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where the figures in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023, specify certain positions on the P33 panel and disconnect bracket AD0880 or AD0881 for installing the connectors, this AD allows any open position on the P33 panel or disconnect bracket AD0880 or AD0881 for installing the connectors. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 
                            *AMOC@faa.gov*. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (j) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Katherine Venegas, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 562-627-5353; email: 
                            *katherine.venegas@faa.gov*. (2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (k)(3) this AD. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-29A0071 RB, dated November 16, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Boeing material identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; website 
                            *myboeingfleet.com.* (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit 
                            *www.archives.gov/​federal-register/​cfr/​ibr-locations*
                             or email 
                            *fr.inspection@nara.gov.* Issued on January 6, 2025. Suzanne Masterson, Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service.


[FR Doc. 2025-00371 Filed 1-8-25; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P