AD 94-14-01

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AD Number:
94-14-01
Document Type:
AD Final Rules
Docket Number:
94-NM-13-AD
Subject Heading:
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes
Subject:
Thrust Reverser System
Status:
Current
Citation:
(Federal Register: June 30, 1994 (Volume 59, Number 125))
Citation Publish Date:
06/30/1994
Effective Date:
08/01/1994
Make:
The Boeing Company
Model:
767-200 Series | 767-300 Series | 767-300F Series
Product Type:
Aircraft
Product Subtype:
Large Airplane
Affected AD:
Superseded AD:
Affected By:
Superseded By:
Service/Office:
Office of Primary Responsibility:
CFR Part Reference:
Part 39 (59 FR 33643 NO. 125 06/30/94)
Comments:
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES FINAL RULES: 94-14-01
CITATION:   [Federal Register: June 30, 1994 (Volume 59, Number 125)]

PAGE NUMBER:   [Page 33643]

DOCKET NUMBER:   94-NM-13-AD

AMENDMENT:   39-8953

AD NUMBER:   94-14-01

SUBJECT HEADING:   Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes

ACTION:   Final rule

SUMMARY:  
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes, that requires replacement of the thrust reverser flow restrictor devices with one-way (check) valve restrictors. This amendment is prompted by reports of piston seal leakage found during actuator overhaul on certain Model 767 series airplanes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent possible deployment of a thrust reverser in flight and subsequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES:   Effective August 1, 1994. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of August 1, 1994.

ADDRESSES:  
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Boeing
Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  
Richard Simonson, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 227-2683; fax (206) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  
A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on March 16, 1994 (59 FR 12207). That action proposed to require replacement of the thrust reverser flow restrictor devices with one-way (check) valve restrictors.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the two comments received.

Both commenters support the proposed rule.

After careful review of the available data, including the comments noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

There are approximately 119 Model 767 series airplanes equipped with General Electric CF6-80A engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 69 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 32 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $55 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators of Model 767 series airplanes equipped with General Electric CF6-80A engines is estimated to be $121,440, or $1,760 per airplane.

There are approximately 95 Model 767 series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 30 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 30 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $55 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators of Model 767 series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 engines is estimated to be $49,500, or $1,650 per airplane.

Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $170,940.

The total cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.

The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects 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, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a "significant rule" under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption "ADDRESSES."

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89. § 39.13 - [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:


REGULATORY TEXT:  
94-14-01 BOEING: Amendment 39-8953. Docket 94-NM-13-AD.

Applicability: Model 767 series airplanes equipped with General Electric CF6-80A or Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 engines, certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent possible deployment of a thrust reverser in flight and subsequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the thrust reverser flow restrictor devices with one-way (check) valve restrictors in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-78-0064 (for Model 767 series airplanes equipped with General Electric CF6-80A engines) or 767-78-0065 (for Model 767 series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 engines), both dated July 16, 1992, as applicable.

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

(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 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.

(d) The replacement shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767- 78-0064, dated July 16, 1992, or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-78-0065, dated July 16, 1992, as applicable. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 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.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on August 1, 1994.

FOOTER: