The FAA has received a report indicating that, during the approach to landing of a Boeing Model 767-200 series airplane, the flight crew received several Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System warning messages, and circuit breakers popped, resulting in a burnt smell and smoke in the cabin area. Investigation revealed that the W451 wire bundle located in the Electronic Equipment Center, just forward of the P51 panel, had caught fire and burned at station 266, right buttock line 35. The fire was due to a #2-gage power output wire of the transformer rectifier unit that had chafed against the right aft corner of the nose landing gear box, which caused a short in the wire. The fire resulted in damage to multiple wire bundles, and significant damage to more than 200 wires. Subsequent inspections done on certain Boeing Model 767-300, -300F and -400ER series airplanes revealed a potential chafing condition of similar wiring against the nose wheel well structure was likely to develop. Such chafing was found on one airplane in that group of inspected airplanes. These conditions, if not corrected, could result in electrical arcing, smoke, or fire in the cabin, and failure of certain systems essential to safe flight and landing of the airplane. \n\nExplanation of Relevant Service Information \n\n\tThe FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 767-24A0140 (for 767-400ER series airplanes), and 767-24A0139 (for Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes), both dated February 9, 2001. The service bulletins describe procedures for repetitive inspections for discrepancies of the wire bundles located between the P50 panel and the nose wheel well structure (i.e., chafed or broken wires, damaged insulation or conductors, inadequate clearance between the wire bundle, insulation, and nose wheel well structure), and corrective actions, if necessary. The corrective actions include, but are not limited to, the following: \n\nRepair or replacement of any damaged wires or worn components \n\nInstallation of protective sleeving over the wire bundles \n\nRelocation of the wire bundle to provide adequate clearance if less than 0.25 inch exists between the wire bundle, insulation, and nose wheel well structure \n\nA system test for any wire that is replaced or spliced to repair damage \n\nExplanation of the Requirements of the Rule \n\n\tSince an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other Model 767-200, -300, -300F and -400ER series airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being issued to find and fix discrepancies (i.e., chafed or broken wires, damaged insulation or conductors, inadequate clearance between the wire bundle, insulation, and nose wheel well structure) of the wire bundles located between the P50 panel and the nose wheel structure, which could result in electrical arcing, smoke, or fire in the cabin, and failure of certain systems essential to safe flight and landing ofthe airplane. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletins described previously, except as discussed below. \n\nDifferences Between This AD and the Service Bulletins \n\n\tWhile the service bulletins do not specify the type of inspection of the wire bundles to find discrepancies (i.e., chafed or broken wires; damaged insulation or conductors; inadequate clearance between the wire bundle, insulation, and nose wheel well structure), this AD would require a detailed visual inspection to find such discrepancies. A note has been included in this AD to define that inspection. \n\n\tAdditionally, although the service bulletins specify that the initial inspection is to be completed "at the earliest opportunity when manpower and facilities are available," the FAA finds that such a compliance time will not ensure that the inspection is accomplished in a timely manner. In developing an appropriate compliance time for the inspection, the FAA considered not only the degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, but the amount of time necessary to accomplish the inspection, and the practical aspect of accomplishing the inspection within an interval of time that parallels normal scheduled maintenance for the affected operators. In consideration of these factors, the FAA has determined that 90 days after the effective date of this AD represents an appropriate interval of time allowable wherein an acceptable level of safety can be maintained. \n\nInterim Action \n\n\tThis is considered to be interim action until final action is identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking. \n\nDetermination of Rule's Effective Date \n\n\tSince a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. \n\nComments InvitedAlthough this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed. \n\n\tSubmit comments using the following format: \n\nOrganize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a request to change the compliance time and a request to change the service bulletin reference as two separate issues. \n\nFor each issue, state what specific change to the AD is being requested. \n\nInclude justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each request. \n\n\tComments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket. \n\n\tCommenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket Number 2001-NM-265-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter. \n\nRegulatory ImpactThe regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. \n\n\tThe FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and that it is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may beobtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. \n\nAdoption of the Amendment \n\n\tAccordingly, 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: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n\t1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n\t2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: