Action
Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of comment period.
Summary
We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and - 400ER airplanes. The NPRM proposed to require an inspection of the wing fuel tank access doors to determine whether impact-resistant access doors are installed in the correct locations, and to replace incorrectly installed doors with impact-resistant access doors. The NPRM also proposed to require an inspection for stencils and index markers on impact-resistant access doors, and application of new stencils or index markers if necessary. In addition, the NPRM proposed to require revising the maintenance program to incorporate changes to the airworthiness limitations section. The NPRM was prompted by reports indicating that a standard access door was located where an impact- resistant access door was required, and stencils were missing from some impact-resistant access doors. This action revises the NPRM by adding airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to prevent foreign object penetration of the fuel tank from uncontained engine failure or tire debris, which could cause a fuel leak near an ignition source (e.g., hot brakes or engine exhaust nozzle), consequently leading to a fuel-fed fire. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.