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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 20 (Friday, January 31, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8658-8661]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-02040]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-1699; Project Identifier AD-2023-01084-T; 
Amendment 39-22918; AD 2024-26-03]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER series 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of multiple engine 
indicating and crew alerting system messages during potable

[[Page 8659]]

water servicing after the water leaked onto the electronics equipment 
cooling air filter. This AD requires installation of hoseducts around 
the left-side section 43 potable water supply hoses and connections, a 
potable water system leakage test, and applicable corrective actions. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 7, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 7, 
2025.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-1699; 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-2024-1699.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Courtney Tuck, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3986; email: [email protected].

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 767-200, -300, and -400ER series airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on June 26, 2024 (89 FR 53367). The 
NPRM was prompted by a report of multiple engine indicating and crew 
alerting system messages during the potable water servicing for a Model 
777 freighter airplane. The cause was found to be the separation of a 
fitting and steel water supply tube at a location above an electronics 
equipment cooling air filter, behind the forward cargo compartment left 
sidewall. The water from the soaked filter was then blown by the 
equipment cooling system onto multiple line replaceable units in the 
main electronics center. Model 767 passenger airplanes are similar in 
design to Model 777 freighter airplane. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed 
to require installation of hoseducts around the left-side section 43 
potable water supply hoses and connections, a potable water system 
leakage test, and applicable corrective actions. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address water leakage from the potable water system near the 
equipment cooling supply air inlet. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could damage main electronics center components and result 
in loss of continued safe flight and landing.

Related Rulemaking

    To address the identified unsafe condition on Model 777F series 
airplanes, the FAA issued AD 2021-06-03, Amendment 39-21469 (86 FR 
12809, March 5, 2021), as an interim action that required deactivation 
of the potable water system. The FAA followed with AD 2022-23-10, 
Amendment 39-22237 (87 FR 73448, November 30, 2022).

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA), Boeing, and United Airlines (UAL), who supported 
the NPRM without change.
    The FAA received additional comments from Aviation Partners Boeing 
(APB), Delta Air Lines (Delta), United Parcel Service Co. (UPS 
Airlines), and Air Canada. 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) ST01920SE does not affect compliance with the 
proposed actions.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter. The installation of STC 
ST01920SE 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 Correct a Part Name in Boeing Service Bulletin

    Delta requested that the FAA add an exception to paragraph (h) of 
the proposed AD as follows: Where the ``Name'' column for P/N NAS43DD6-
24FC in step 5 of figure 11 and step 5 of figure 13 in Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin 767-38A0076 RB, dated December 1, 2023, states 
``SPACERS FOR BOLTS,'' this AD requires using ``SPACER FOR BOLT.'' Only 
one spacer needs to be installed.
    The FAA agrees with the request. Only one spacer is to be installed 
in step 5 of figure 11 and step 5 of figure 13. The FAA has added 
paragraph (h)(2) to this AD accordingly.

Requests for Excluding Boeing Model 767-300 Bedek Special Freighters in 
Applicability

    UPS Airlines requested that the FAA add the following statement to 
this AD: ``This AD is not applicable to 767-300 airplanes listed in the 
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-38A0076 RB, dated December 1, 
2023, that were converted by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) STC 
number ST02040SE to freighter configuration where the subject hoses 
were removed.'' UPS Airlines stated that it operates Boeing Model 767-
300 series airplanes converted to freighter configuration by IAI, known 
as 767-300 Bedek Special Freighter (BDSF) fleet. The potable water 
hoses indicated in the Boeing service bulletin have been removed during 
freighter conversion by IAI STC number ST02040SE to freighter 
configuration.
    Similarly, Air Canada requested that the FAA add a statement 
stating that this AD is not applicable to any Boeing Model 767-300 
passenger airplanes listed in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-
38A0076 RB, dated December 1, 2023, that have been modified to a 767-
300BDSF configuration. Air Canada operates six Model 767-300 airplanes 
that were modified to an all-cargo configuration as per IAI STC 
ST02040SE. During this modification the water system was removed 
similar to the Boeing Model 767-300 converted freighter airplanes.
    The FAA agrees with the requests. The potable water hoses indicated 
in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-38A0076 RB, dated December 1, 
2023, have been removed during freighter conversion by IAI STC number 
ST02040SE to freighter configuration. The FAA has revised paragraph (c) 
of this AD accordingly.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and

[[Page 8660]]

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 767-38A0076 RB, 
dated December 1, 2023. This material specifies procedures for the 
following actions at the lower lobe section 43 potable water system 
plumbing on the left-side:
     Installing hoseducts and support clamps.
     Installing spray shields, new tie straps on the supply 
hose, and tee fitting shrouds, depending on the airplane configuration.
     Replacing the supply hoses and tee fittings for certain 
airplane configurations.
     Doing a potable water system leakage test and, for any 
leakage found, repeating the test until no leakage is found.
    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 397 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                  Labor cost           Parts cost       Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install hose ducts,              Up to 19 work-      Up to $1,130.......  Up to $2,745......  Up to $1,089,765.
 connections, and leakage test.   hours x $85 per
                                  hour = $1,615.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact 
on affected operators.

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

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:

2024-26-03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22918; Docket No. FAA-
2024-1699; Project Identifier AD-2023-01084-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 7, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -
400ER series airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements 
Bulletin 767-38A0076 RB, dated December 1, 2023, excluding the 
airplanes that were converted by STC number ST02040SE to freighter 
configuration where the subject hoses were removed.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of multiple engine indicating 
and crew alerting system messages during potable water servicing 
after the water leaked onto the electronics equipment cooling air 
filter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address water leakage from the 
potable water system near the equipment cooling supply air inlet. 
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could damage main 
electronics center components and 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 time specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin 767-38A0076 RB, dated December 1, 2023, 
do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
767-38A0076 RB, dated December 1, 2023.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions 
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
767-38A0076, dated December 1, 2023, which is referred to in Boeing 
Alert

[[Page 8661]]

Requirements Bulletin 767-38A0076 RB, dated December 1, 2023.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where the Boeing Recommended Compliance Time columns of the 
tables in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements 
Bulletin 767-38A0076 RB, dated December 1, 2023, refer to ``the 
Original Issue date of Requirements Bulletin 767-38A0076 RB,'' this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where step 5 of figures 11 and 13 in Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin 767-38A0076 RB, dated December 1, 2023, refers 
to the part name ``spacers for bolts,'' this AD requires replacing 
that text with ``spacer for bolt.''

(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: [email protected].
    (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 Courtney Tuck, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 
98198; phone: 206-231-3986; email: [email protected].
    (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 service information 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 767-38A0076 RB, dated 
December 1, 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 [email protected].

    Issued on December 19, 2024.
Suzanne Masterson,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-02040 Filed 1-30-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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