AD 2026-18-08

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. Rules and Regulations Federal Register 58807 Vol. 91, No. 179 Thursday, September 17, 2026 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2026–1329; Project Identifier AD–2025–01626–T; Amendment 39–23463; AD 2026–18–08] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767–300F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a supplier notice of escapement documenting that some titanium cargo track crown fittings had suspect material certifications. This AD requires an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer inspection to identify the material composition of the cargo track crown fittings or replacement of all cargo track crown fittings with new cargo track crown fittings, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective October 22, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 22, 2026. ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–1329; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For Boeing material 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; website myboeingfleet.com. • You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–1329. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Taylor Stanley, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 407– 852–7677; email: taylor.stanley@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company Model 767–300F series airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 17, 2026 (91 FR 7180). The NPRM was prompted by a report of a supplier notice of escapement documenting that some titanium cargo track crown fittings had suspect material certifications. The supplier did not have correct material records to make sure that type design specified material was used. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an XRF spectrometer inspection to identify the material composition of the cargo track crown fittings or replacement of all cargo track crown fittings with new cargo track crown fittings, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address suspect material certifications on the titanium track crown fittings. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in cargo track failure and could lead to uncommanded movement of the cargo pallet and subsequent damage to critical systems located in the sidewall or ceiling area of the main cargo compartment, along with inability of a principle structural element to sustain limit loads, which could significantly affect controllability of the airplane. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received comments from Boeing, FedEx Express (FedEx), and Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change. The FAA received additional comments from Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) and The Foundation for Aviation Safety. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions Aviation Partners Boeing stated that accomplishing Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01920SE does not affect the actions specified in the proposed AD. The FAA concurs with the commenter. The FAA has redesignated paragraph (c) of the proposed AD as paragraph (c)(1) of this AD and added paragraph (c)(2) to this AD to state that installation of STC ST01920SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01920SE is installed, a ‘‘change in product’’ alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17. Request To Identify the Root Cause and Preventive Action for Supply Chain Error The Foundation for Aviation Safety requested that the FAA identify the root cause of the supply chain error, explain how it was discovered and why the original process was not effective in identifying erroneous materials, and clarify the preventive measures to ensure that the error does not happen again. The FAA acknowledges the commenter’s concerns. However, the questions provided are general in nature and are not specific to the unsafe condition addressed in this AD. Broader concerns regarding supply chain errors are outside the scope of this AD. The FAA refers the commentor to the ‘‘Background’’ paragraph for additional VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:39 Sep 16, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17SER1.SGM 17SER1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1

58808 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 179 / Thursday, September 17, 2026 / Rules and Regulations information on the discovery of the supply chain error. The FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment. Conclusion The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0337 RB, dated October 17, 2025. This material specifies procedures for an XRF spectrometer inspection to identify the material composition of the cargo track crown fittings and applicable on- condition actions. On-condition actions include replacing each affected cargo track crown fitting with a new cargo track crown fitting having Ti–6AI–4V alloy material. This material also specifies, as an option, procedures for replacement of all cargo track crown fittings with new cargo track crown fittings having Ti–6AI–4V alloy material. This material 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. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 43 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: E STIMATED C OSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Replace all Cargo Track Crown Fittings with new Cargo Track Crown Fittings. 156 work-hours × $85 per hour = $13,260 ......... $63,540 $76,800 Up to $3,302,400. XRF Spectrometer Inspection ........................................................ 92 work-hours × $85 per hour = $7,820 ............. 0 7,820 Up to $336,260. The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these replacements: O N -C ONDITION C OSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Replacement of Cargo Track Crown Fittings ........... Up to 156 work-hours × $85 per hour = $13,260 .... Up to $63,540 .. Up to $76,800. The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected operators. 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. The FAA is 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 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. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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. § 39.13 [Amended] ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026–18–08 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39–23463; Docket No. FAA–2026–1329; Project Identifier AD– 2025–01626–T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 22, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability (1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767–300F series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767– 53A0337 RB, dated October 17, 2025. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:39 Sep 16, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17SER1.SGM 17SER1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1

58809 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 179 / Thursday, September 17, 2026 / Rules and Regulations (2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01920SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01920SE is installed, a ‘‘change in product’’ alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a supplier notice of escapement documenting that some titanium cargo track crown fittings had suspect material certifications. The FAA is issuing this AD to address suspect material certifications on the titanium track crown fittings. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in cargo track failure and could lead to uncommanded movement of the cargo pallet and subsequent damage to critical systems located in the sidewall or ceiling area of the main cargo compartment, along with inability of a principle structural element to sustain limit loads, which could significantly affect controllability of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the applicable times specified in the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0337 RB, dated October 17, 2025, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0337 RB, dated October 17, 2025. Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767–53A0337, dated October 17, 2025, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0337 RB, dated October 17, 2025. (h) Exceptions to Requirements Bulletin Specifications Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767– 53A0337 RB, dated October 17, 2025, refer to the original issue date of Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0337 RB, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: AMOC@ faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (2) 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 Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 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. (j) Additional Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Taylor Stanley, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 407–852–7677; email: taylor.stanley@faa.gov. (2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (k)(3) of this AD. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 767–53A0337 RB, dated October 17, 2025. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Boeing material 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; website myboeingfleet.com. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on September 2, 2026. Brian Knaup, Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–19083 Filed 9–16–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2025–3439; Project Identifier AD–2025–00463–T; Amendment 39–23462; AD 2026–18–07] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737–8, 737–9, and 737–8200 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports indicating cracks in the bear strap and stub frame at the forward galley door cutout. This AD requires inspections for existing repairs; an inspection for any crack of the fuselage skin, bear strap, and stub frame; repetitive inspections for any crack of the bear strap and stub frame; and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective October 22, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 22, 2026. ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2025–3439; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For Boeing material 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; website myboeingfleet.com. • You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2025–3439. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:39 Sep 16, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17SER1.SGM 17SER1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1