Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule; correction.

SUMMARY:

This document corrects information in an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Boeing Model 767 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the wiring and surrounding Teflon sleeves of the fuel tank boost pumps and override/jettison pumps; replacement of the sleeves with new sleeves, for certain airplanes; and repair or replacement of the wiring and sleeves with new parts, as necessary. This document corrects the date for the relevant service information referenced in that AD. This correction is necessary to ensure that operators use the correct source of service information to accomplish the actions required by the existing AD, which are intended to ensure adequate protection from chafing for the fuel pump wire insulation.

DATES:

Effective July 6, 2000.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of July 6, 2000 (65 FR 34928, June 1, 2000).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Holly Thorson, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-1357; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On May 23, 2000, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued AD 2000-11-06, amendment 39-11754 (65 FR 34928, June 1, 2000), which applies to all Boeing Model 767 series airplanes. That AD requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the wiring and surrounding Teflon sleeves of the fuel tank boost pumps and override/jettison pumps; replacement of the sleeves with new sleeves, for certain airplanes; and repair or replacement of the wiring and sleeves with new parts, as necessary.

That AD was prompted by reports of chafing of Teflon sleeves that surround and protect electrical wires inside conduits installed in the fuel tanks. The actions required by that AD are intended to ensure adequate protection to the fuel pump wire insulation. Such chafing of the wire insulation could eventually result in exposure of electrical conductor, permit arcing from the wire to the conduit, and create a potential for a fuel tank fire or explosion.

Need for the Correction

Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA has determined that the AD cites an incorrect date for the referenced service information. The actions in that AD are required to be accomplished under Boeing Service Bulletin 767-28A0053, Revision 1. The AD references that bulletin as being dated April 1, 1999. The correct date for the service bulletin is August 5, 1999. While the footer on each page of Revision 1 of the service bulletin shows a date of April 1, 1999, the first page of the bulletin, as well as the “Summary” and “Revision Transmittal Sheet,” show a date of August 5, 1999. The manufacturer has informed the FAA that the correct date for the bulletin is August 5, 1999.

A correction to AD 2000-11-06 is necessary. The correction will eliminate confusion for operators and ensure that operators use the correct source of service information to accomplish the actions required by the existing AD.

Correction of Publication

This document corrects the error and correctly adds the AD as an amendment to § 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13).

The AD is reprinted in its entirety for the convenience of affected operators. The effective date of the AD remains July 6, 2000.

Since this action only clarifies the correct date for the service information referenced in the existing AD, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, the FAA has determined that notice and public procedures are unnecessary.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

Adoption of the Correction

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.

2. Section 39.13 is amended by correctly adding the following airworthiness directive (AD):

2000-11-06 Boeing: Amendment 39-11754. Docket 98-NM-316-AD.

Applicability: All Model 767 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Note 1:

This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent exposure of electrical conductor, which could permit arcing from the wire to the conduit and create a potential for a fuel tank fire or explosion, accomplish the following:

Inspections

(a) Perform a detailed visual inspection to detect discrepancies—including the presence of splices, cuts, splits, holes, worn areas, and lacing ties installed on the outside of the sleeves (except at the sleeve ends)—of the Teflon sleeves surrounding the wiring of the fuel tank boost pumps and override/jettison pumps, at the earlier of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-28A0053, Revision 1, dated August 5, 1999. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 60,000 flight hours or 30,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first.

(1) Prior to the accumulation of 50,000 total flight hours, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(2) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD.

Note 2:

For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.”

Corrective Actions

(b) If any discrepancy is detected during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Prior to further flight, remove the Teflon sleeves and perform a detailed visual inspection to detect damage of the wiring, in accordance with paragraph D. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-28A0053, Revision 1, dated August 5, 1999.

(1) If no damage to the wiring is detected, prior to further flight, install new Teflon sleeves in accordance with the service bulletin.

(2) If any damage to the wiring is detected, prior to further flight, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (c) of this AD.

(c) If any damage to the wiring is detected during any inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD: Prior to further flight, perform a detailed visual inspection to determine if the wiring damage was caused by arcing, in accordance with paragraph D. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-28A0053, Revision 1, dated August 5, 1999.

(1) If the wire damage was not caused by arcing: Prior to further flight, repair any damaged wires or replace the wires with new or serviceable wires, as applicable, and install new Teflon sleeves; in accordance with the service bulletin.

(2) If any damage caused by arcing is found: Prior to further flight, perform an inspection for signs of fuel inside the conduit or on the wires, in accordance with the service bulletin.

(i) If no sign of fuel is found, accomplish the actions specified by paragraphs (c)(2)(i)(A), (c)(2)(i)(B), (c)(2)(i)(C), and (c)(2)(i)(D) of this AD.

(A) Prior to further flight, repair the wires or replace the wires with new or serviceable wires, as applicable, in accordance with the service bulletin.

(B) Prior to further flight, install new Teflon sleeves, in accordance with the service bulletin.

(C) Repeat the inspection for signs of fuel inside the conduit thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours, until the requirements of paragraph (c)(2)(i)(D) of this AD have been accomplished. If any fuel is found inside the conduit during any inspection required by this paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the conduit with a new or serviceable conduit in accordance with the service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the inspection specified in paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 60,000 flight hours or 30,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first.

(D) Within 6,000 flight hours or 18 months after the initial fuel inspection specified by paragraph (c)(2) of this AD, whichever occurs first, replace the conduit with a new or serviceable conduit, in accordance with the service bulletin. Such conduit replacement constitutes terminating action for the repetitive fuel inspections required by paragraph (c)(2)(i)(C) of this AD.

(ii) If any fuel is found in the conduit or on any wire: Prior to further flight, replace the conduit with a new or serviceable conduit, replace damaged wires with new or serviceable wires, and install new Teflon sleeves; in accordance with the service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the inspection specified in paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 60,000 flight hours or 30,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first.

Pump Retest

(d) For any wire bundle removed and reinstalled during any inspection required by this AD: Prior to further flight after such reinstallation, retest the fuel pump in accordance with paragraph G., H., I., or J., as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions, of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-28A0053, Revision 1, dated August 5, 1999.

Reporting Requirement

(e) Submit a report of positive inspection findings (findings of discrepancies only), along with any damaged wiring and sleeves, to the Seattle Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO), 2500 East Valley Road, Suite C-2, Renton, Washington 98055-4056; fax (425) 227-1159; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (e)(1) or (e)(2) of this AD. The report must include the airplane serial number; the number of total flight hours and flight cycles on the airplane; the location of the electrical cable on the airplane; and a statement indicating, if known, whether any wire has ever been removed and inspected during maintenance, along with the date (if known) of any such inspection. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

(1) For airplanes on which the initial inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD is accomplished after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after performing the initial inspection.

(2) For airplanes on which the initial inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD has been accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report for the initial inspection within 10 days after the effective date of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO.

Note 3:

Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO.

Special Flight Permits

(g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

(h) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-28A0053, Revision 1, dated August 5, 1999. This incorporation by reference was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of July 6, 2000 (65 FR 34928, June 1, 2000). Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Effective Date

(i) The effective date of this amendment remains July 6, 2000.