AD 2008-08-26

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 767 airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection to determine the material of the forward and aft gray water drain masts. For airplanes having composite gray water drain masts, this AD also requires installation of a ground bracket and a bonding jumper between a ground bracket and the clamp on the tube of the forward and aft gray water composite drain masts. This AD results from a report of charred insulation blankets and burned wires around the forward gray water composite drain mast found during an inspection of the forward cargo compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent a fire near a composite drain mast and possible disruption of the electrical power system caused by a lightning strike on a composite drain mast, which could result in the loss of several functions essential for safe flight.

Final rule.

2008-08-26 Boeing: Amendment 39-15480. Docket No. FAA-2007-29063; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-049-AD. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 27, 2008. \n\nAffected ADs \n\n\t(b) None. \n\nApplicability \n\n\t(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and - 400ER series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-30-0047, dated January 25, 2007; and Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767- 30-0048, dated January 25, 2007. \n\nUnsafe Condition \n\n\t(d) This AD results from a report of charred insulation blankets and burned wires around the forward gray water composite drain mast found during an inspection of the forward cargo compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent a fire near a composite drain mast and possible disruption of the electrical power system caused by a lightning strike on a composite drain mast, which could result in the loss of several functionsessential for safe flight. \n\nCompliance \n\n\t(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. \n\nInspection To Determine Material of Gray Water Drain Mast \n\n\t(f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the forward and aft gray water drain masts to determine whether the drain mast is made of aluminum or composite. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the material of the forward and aft gray water drain masts can be conclusively determined from that review. \n\t(1) For any aluminum gray water drain mast identified during the inspection or records check required by paragraph (f) of this AD, no further action is required by this AD for that drain mast only. \n\t(2) For any composite gray water drain mast identified during the inspection or records check required by paragraph (f) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. \n\nInstallation of New Ground Bracket and Bonding Jumper \n\n\t(g) For any composite gray water drain mast identified during the inspection or records check required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, install a bonding jumper between the new ground bracket and the clamp on the tube of the gray water composite drain mast, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-30-0047, dated January 25, 2007 (for Model 767-200, - 300, and -300F series airplanes); and Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-30-0048, dated January 25, 2007 (for Model 767- 400ER series airplanes). \n\nParts Installation \n\n\t(h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any airplane, a composite gray water drain mast, unless a new ground bracket and bonding jumper are also installed, as specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\t(i)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. \n\t(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. \n\nMaterial Incorporated by Reference \n\n\t(j) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767- 30-0047, dated January 25, 2007; or Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-30-0048, dated January 25, 2007; as applicable; to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\t(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. \n\t(3) You may review copies of the service information incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_ regulations/ibr_locations.html.

Discussion \n\n\tWe issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to all Boeing Model 767 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 31, 2007 (72 FR 50276). That NPRM proposed to require a one-time inspection to determine the material of the forward and aft gray water drain masts. For airplanes having composite gray water drain masts, that NPRM also proposed to require installation of a ground bracket and a bonding jumper between a ground bracket and the clamp on the tube of the forward and aft gray water composite drain masts. \n\nComments \n\n\tWe gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We considered the comments received from the single commenter. \n\nRequest To Remove Airplanes From the Applicability Statement of the Proposed AD \n\n\tBoeing requests that we revise the applicability statement of the NPRM to remove certain airplanes. Boeing states that Model 767 airplanes beginning with line number 934 have a ground bracket and bonding jumper installed in production for both the forward and the aft composite gray water drain masts. Therefore, Boeing asserts that these airplanes should not be subject to this AD. \n\tWe partially agree. For the reason stated by Boeing, we have determined that these airplanes should not be subject to this AD. However, we do not agree to revise the Applicability statement of this AD as suggested by Boeing. Instead, we have revised the Applicability statement of this final rule to state, "This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-30-0047, dated January 25, 2007; and Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-30-0048, dated January 25, 2007.'' We have confirmed that the effectivities of these service bulletins match the applicability suggested by Boeing. \n\nExplanation of Changes Made to This AD \n\n\tWe have confirmed with the airplane manufacturer that the composite and aluminum drain mast can be interchangeable. Therefore, we have added a new paragraph (h), "Parts Installation,'' to this final rule to prohibit installation of a composite gray water drain mast, unless a new ground bracket and bonding jumper are also installed, as specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. We have also re-identified subsequent paragraphs accordingly. \n\nConclusion \n\n\tWe reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\tThere are about 86 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this AD. \n\n\tEstimated Costs \n\n\nAction\nWork hours\nAverage labor rate per hour\nParts\nCost per airplane\nNumber of U.S.-registered airplanes\nFleet cost\nInspection to determine gray water drain mast material\n1\n$80\nNone\n$80\n41\n$3,280\nInstallation of bonding jumper\n4 \n$80\nUp to $654\nUp to $974\nUp to 41\nUp to $39,934\n\n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\tTitle 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. \n\tWe 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 Administratorfinds 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. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\tThis 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. \n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\t(1) Is not a "significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, \n\t(2) Is not a "significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), and \n\t(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. \n\tYou can find ourregulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of compliance in the AD Docket. \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\nAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n 1. 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\n2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD: