Document ID: FAA-2017-0698-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: The Boeing Company Airplanes
Posted Date: 2017-07-20T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 138 (Thursday, July 20, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33465-33467]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-15120]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0698; Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-047-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-02-
03, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, 
and -400ER series airplanes. AD 2017-02-03 requires inspection of the 
plastic potable water coupling, and corrective actions if necessary; 
installation of new spray shrouds; and inspection of previously 
installed spray shields, and related investigative and corrective 
actions if necessary. Since we issued AD 2017-02-03, we have determined 
that it is necessary to modify a hose assembly installation for certain 
airplanes, and add airplanes to the applicability. This proposed AD 
would add airplanes to the applicability and, for certain airplanes, 
require hose assembly removals and installations. We are proposing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 5, 
2017.

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 NPRM, 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; 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. It is also 
available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0698.

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-2017-
0698; 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-2017-0698; 
Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-047-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.

Discussion

    On January 11, 2017, we issued AD 2017-02-03, Amendment 39-18782 
(82 FR 10541, February 14, 2017) (``AD 2017-02-03''), for certain The 
Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER series airplanes. AD 
2017-02-03 requires inspection of the plastic potable water couplings, 
corrective actions if necessary, and installation of new spray shrouds. 
It also requires inspection of the prior installed spray shield to 
determine it has two slits and is installed correctly, and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. AD 2017-02-03 
resulted from a report of a malfunction of the engine indication and 
crew alerting system (EICAS) during flight. We issued AD 2017-02-03 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.

Actions Since AD 2017-02-03 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2017-02-03, we have determined that additional 
airplanes are subject to the unsafe condition and therefore it is 
necessary to add airplanes to the applicability. We have also 
determined that the service information specified in AD 2017-02-03 does 
not adequately address the identified unsafe condition for certain 
airplanes; therefore, we find it necessary to require, for certain 
airplanes, removing three hose assemblies and installing four new hose 
assemblies.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, Revision 3,

[[Page 33466]]

dated September 8, 2016 (``Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, 
R3''). The service information describes procedures for, among other 
actions, removing three hose assemblies and installing four new hose 
assemblies. This service information 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.

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 the same type designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2017-02-
03. Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the actions 
in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, Revision 2, dated August 
10, 2015, that are part of the requirements of AD 2017-02-03, this 
proposed AD would retain certain requirements. Those requirements are 
referenced in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, R3, which, in 
turn, is referenced in paragraph (g) of this proposed AD. Paragraph (g) 
of this proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions 
identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, R3. This 
proposed AD would also add airplanes to the applicability. 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-2017-0698.

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 for Required Actions
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections (retained actions from AD   Up to 10 work[dash]hours              $0            $850        $109,650
 2017[dash]02[dash]03) (129 airplanes).  x $85 per hour = $850.
Installation (retained actions from AD  3 work[dash]hours x $85              330             585          75,465
 2017[dash]02[dash]03) (129 airplanes).  per hour = $255.
Inspections (new proposed action) (10   Up to 10 work[dash]hours               0             850           8,500
 airplanes).                             x $85 per hour = $850.
Installation (new proposed actions)     3 work[dash]hours x $85              330             585           8,775
 (15 airplanes).                         per hour = $255.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition 
actions that would be required based on the results of the inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
these actions:

                 Estimated Cost for On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Labor cost              Parts cost        Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 4 work[dash]hours x $85             $53   Up to $393.
 per hour = $340.
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    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 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),
    (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:

[[Page 33467]]

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

Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2017-02-03, Amendment 39-18782 (82 FR 10541, February 14, 2017), and 
adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2017-0698; Directorate Identifier 
2017-NM-047-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by September 5, 
2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-02-03, Amendment 39-18782 (82 FR 10541, 
February 14, 2017) (``AD 2017-02-03'').

(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, Revision 3, dated 
September 8, 2016 (``Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, 
R3'').

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a malfunction of the engine 
indication and crew alerting system (EICAS) 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 of Couplings and Installation of Spray Shrouds

    Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the 
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, R3, do all applicable 
actions identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in, and in 
accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, R3.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD:  Operators can take optional 
protective measures to cover or shield their equipment against water 
spray when performing the Potable Water System Leakage Test, as 
specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, R3.

(h) Exceptions to the Service Information

    (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, R3, uses 
the phrase ``after the original issue date of this service 
bulletin,'' for purposes of determining compliance with the 
requirements of this AD, March 16, 2017 (the effective date of AD 
2017-02-03) must be used.
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, R3, uses 
the phrase ``after the Revision 2 date of this service bulletin,'' 
for purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of this 
AD, March 16, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2017-02-03) must be 
used.
    (3) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, R3, 
specifies a compliance time ``after the Revision 3 date of this 
service bulletin,'' for purposes of determining compliance with the 
requirements of this AD, the phrase ``after the effective date of 
this AD'' must be used.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) For airplanes in Groups 4 through 8, 10, 12, and 13, as 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, R3: This 
paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph (g) 
of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, 
dated November 12, 2013; Boeing Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, 
Revision 1, dated November 5, 2014; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
767-38A0073, Revision 2, dated August 10, 2015.
    (2) For airplanes in Groups 1 through 3, and Group 9, 
Configuration 2, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-
38A0073, R3: This paragraph provides credit for the actions 
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 767-38A0073, Revision 2, dated August 10, 2015.

(j) 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 series 
or P/N CA625 series on any airplane.

(k) 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 (l)(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) 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 Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO, 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.
    (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(k)(4)(i) and (k)(4)(ii) of this AD apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the 
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is 
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and 
identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Stanley Chen, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, 
ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle 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: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; 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 July 12, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-15120 Filed 7-19-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P