Discussion \n\n\tThe FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 20, 2007 (72 FR 33926). That NPRM proposed to require a one-time inspection of each fuel quantity indication system (FQIS) wire harness connector for corrosion of the shield-to- backshell connection, corrosion on the ground jumper, and damage to the ground jumper; a loop resistance test of each FQIS wire harness; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. \n\nComments \n\n\tWe provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. We have considered the comments received. \n\nRequests To Revise Compliance Threshold \n\n\tFlorida West International Airways requests that we revise the compliance threshold from 48 months to 60 months in order to "stay standard with''the compliance time for Boeing special attention service bulletins. \n\tAn anonymous private citizen notes that corrosion gets worse over time, so it is appropriate to give a longer compliance threshold to newer aircraft. The commenter suggests maintaining the 48-month threshold for airplanes that have 12 or more years' time-in-service, and revising the compliance threshold to 16 years from airplane delivery for airplanes that have less than 12 years' time-in-service. \n\tWe do not agree with the requests to revise the compliance threshold. In Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-28-0087, dated February 5, 2007, the manufacturer recommended that the inspections begin within 48 months after the release of the service bulletin. Although Boeing might have a standard compliance threshold for special attention service bulletins, that threshold can change based upon the nature of a given unsafe condition. \n\tIn addition, the goal of the inspection at the 48-month threshold is to detect and correct any corrosion in the affected area, and to do all applicable actions to prevent it from happening in the future. While it is true that corrosion worsens over time, we consider it inappropriate to allow airplanes to fly for up to 16 years with the potential for corrosion to continue to progress in this area. \n\tIn developing an appropriate compliance time for this AD, we considered the serious nature of the unsafe condition as well as the recommendations of the manufacturer, the availability of any necessary repair parts, and the practical aspect of accomplishing the required inspection within an interval of time that corresponds to the normal maintenance schedules of most affected operators. In light of these factors, we have determined that the 48-month initial compliance threshold, as proposed, is appropriate. We do not find it necessary to change the AD in this regard. However, under the provisions of paragraph (g) of the final rule, we will consider requests for adjustments to the compliance time if data are submitted to substantiate that such an adjustment would provide an acceptable level of safety. \n\nRequest To Revise Note 1 of the NPRM Regarding Cinch Service Bulletin \n\n\tBoeing requests that we revise Note 1 of the NPRM and the Relevant Service Information section of the NPRM to remove the words "* * * and replacing the wire harness,'' in reference to the procedures in Cinch Service Bulletin CN1156-28-02, Revision C, dated July 31, 2006. Boeing explains that the Cinch service bulletin does not contain information about replacing the wire harness; that information is in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-28-0087. \n\tBoeing also requests that we remove the date and revision level from the reference to the Cinch service bulletin. Boeing states that a date is not appropriate because Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-28-0087 does not specify a date when it refers to the Cinch service bulletin. In addition, Boeing points out that the Cinch service bulletin could be revised by the time the AD is issued, and the information would then be out of date. \n\tWe agree with the request to remove the words "* * * and replacing the wire harness,'' from Note 1 of the NPRM for the reasons provided. \n\tWe also agree with the request to remove the date and revision level from the Cinch service bulletin identified in Note 1 of the NPRM. It is our general practice, as specified by the Office of the Federal Register, to put a date and revision level (if applicable) on all documents incorporated by reference into an AD. However, in this case, the Cinch service bulletin is described only in a note, and therefore it is not incorporated by reference into the AD. Therefore, it is not necessary for us to put a date on documents that we refer to only in a note, though in most cases a date is appropriate or important. \n\n\tWe have revised Note 1 of the final rule to make the requested changes. However, since the Relevant ServiceInformation section of the NPRM does \nnot reappear in the final rule, no other change to the final rule is necessary. \n\nConclusion \n\n\tWe have carefully reviewed the available data, including the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the change described previously. We have determined that this change will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\tThere are about 482 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\nCost per airplane\nNumber of U.S.-registered airplanes\nFleet cost\nDetailed inspection\n1\n$80\n$80\n202\n$16,160\nLoop resistance test\n2 to 3\n$80\n$160 to $240\n202\n$32,320 to $48,480\n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\tTitle 49 of the United States Codespecifies 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 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. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\tWe have determined that 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. \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\tWe prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. \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\n1. 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):