Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 98 (Friday, May 20, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31848-31851]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11683]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-6548; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-114-AD; 
Amendment 39-18520; AD 2016-10-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes equipped with 
General Electric engines. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking 
in barrel nuts on a forward engine mount of Model 747-8 airplanes, 
which shares a similar design to the forward engine mount of Model 787-
8 and 787-9 airplanes. This AD requires, for certain airplanes, 
replacement of the four barrel nuts of the forward engine mount on each 
engine. For certain other airplanes, this AD requires an inspection to 
determine if any forward engine mount barrel nut having a certain part 
number is installed; and related investigative and corrective actions 
if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of 
the forward engine mount barrel nuts. Such cracking could result in 
reduced load capacity of the forward engine mount and could result in 
separation of an engine from the airplane and consequent loss of 
control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective June 24, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 24, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services 
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone: 
206-544-5000, extension 1; fax: 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
6548.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
6548; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Allen Rauschendorfer, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-
917-6487; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We 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 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes equipped with General Electric engines. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 11, 2015 (80 FR 
76878) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracking in 
barrel nuts on a forward engine mount of Model 747-8 airplanes, which 
shares a similar design to the forward engine mount of Model 787-8 and 
787-9 airplanes. The NPRM proposed to require, for certain airplanes, 
replacement of the four barrel nuts of the forward engine mount on each 
engine. For certain other airplanes, the NPRM proposed to require an 
inspection to determine if any forward engine mount barrel nut having a 
certain part number is installed; and related investigative and 
corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct cracking of the forward engine mount barrel nuts. Such cracking 
could result in reduced load capacity of the forward engine mount and 
could result in separation of an engine from the airplane and 
consequent loss of control of the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to the comment.

Request To Revise the Compliance Time

    United Airlines requested that the compliance time in the NPRM for 
Group 1 airplanes be changed from 2 years to ``at next engine change.'' 
United considered the proposed compliance time to be ``expedited'' 
because it took Boeing 7 months to publish the service information 
operators would be required to use to comply with the requirements in 
the NPRM, and it took

[[Page 31849]]

the FAA 6 months to publish the NPRM. The commenter reasoned that since 
it took over 1 year from the time a solution for the unsafe condition 
was identified to the publication of the NPRM, the timeline for 
completing the corrective action is not critical and could be 
accomplished at the next scheduled engine change. United Airlines 
explained that allowing operators to replace the forward barrel nuts at 
the next engine change would reduce the cost of compliance to zero and 
would not add additional burden to operators.
    We do not agree with the commenter's request. In developing an 
appropriate compliance time for this action we considered not only the 
degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe 
condition, but the manufacturer's recommendation for an appropriate 
compliance time, the time required for the rulemaking process, and the 
practical aspect of doing the required replacement within an interval 
of time that corresponds to the typical scheduled maintenance for the 
majority of affected operators. However, under the provisions of 
paragraph (j) of this AD, we will consider requests for approval of an 
extension of the compliance time if sufficient data are submitted to 
substantiate that the new compliance time would provide an acceptable 
level of safety. We have not changed the AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB710026-00, Issue 
001, dated June 10, 2015. The service information describes procedures 
for replacing the forward engine mount barrel nuts with new, improved 
barrel nuts; doing an inspection to determine if barrel nuts having a 
certain part number are installed on the forward engine mount; and 
doing related investigative and corrective actions. This service 
information 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

    We estimate that this AD affects 36 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Cost per
            Action                Labor cost        Parts cost        product         Cost on U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement (2 engines)......  29 work-hours x   $1,988 per               $6,441  $64,410 (10 airplanes).
                                $85 per hour =    engine x 2
                                $2,465 for 2      engines =
                                engines.          $3,976.
Inspection for part number     1 work-hour x     $0.............              85  $2,210 (26 airplanes).
 using maintenance records (2   $85 per hour =
 engines).                      $85 for 2
                                engines.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any related investigative 
actions required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way 
of determining the number of aircraft that might need these actions:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (2 engines).......................  9 work-hours x $85 per hour =                $0             $765
                                                $765 for 2 engines.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that will enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition corrective actions specified in 
this AD.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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.
    We 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.

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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and

[[Page 31850]]

    (4) 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.

Adoption of 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

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-10-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18520; Docket No. FAA-
2015-6548; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-114-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective June 24, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 
airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with General 
Electric GEnx-1B engines, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB710026-00, Issue 001, dated June 10, 2015.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 71, Powerplant.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in barrel nuts on a 
forward engine mount of Model 747-8 airplanes, which shares a 
similar design to the forward engine mount of Model 787-8 and 787-9 
airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of 
the forward engine mount barrel nuts. Such cracking could result in 
reduced load capacity of the forward engine mount, and could result 
in separation of an engine from the airplane, and consequent loss of 
control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Replacement Barrel Nuts

    For Group 1 airplanes as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB710026-00, Issue 001, dated June 10, 2015: Except as 
provided by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, at the time specified in 
paragraph 5., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB710026-00, Issue 001, dated June 10, 2015, replace the existing 
forward engine mount barrel nuts on each engine, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin B787-
81205-SB710026-00, Issue 001, dated June 10, 2015.

(h) Part Number Inspection for Installed Barrel Nuts

    For Group 2 airplanes as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB710026-00, Issue 001, dated June 10, 2015: Except as 
provided by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, at the time specified in 
paragraph 5. ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB710026-00, Issue 001, dated June 10, 2015, review the aircraft 
maintenance records to determine if the airplane engine has been 
removed, installed, or replaced, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB710026-00, Issue 001, dated June 10, 2015. If the maintenance 
records indicate that a barrel nut having part number SL4081C14SP1 
is installed, or if the part number of an installed barrel nut 
cannot be determined, before further flight, do the related 
investigative and applicable corrective actions, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin B787-
81205-SB710026-00, Issue 001, dated June 10, 2015.

(i) Exception to Service Information

    (1) Where Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB710026-00, Issue 
001, dated June 10, 2015, specifies a compliance time ``after the 
Issue 001 date on this service bulletin,'' this AD requires 
compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective 
date of this AD.
    (2) Where Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB710026-00, Issue 
001, dated June 10, 2015, specifies to contact Boeing for repair 
instructions: Before further flight, repair using a method approved 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this 
AD.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) 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 Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO, 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.
    (4) Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD: For 
service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required 
for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and 
(j)(4)(ii) apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, 
including substeps and identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Allen 
Rauschendorfer, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6487; fax: 425-917-6590; 
email: [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB710026-00, Issue 001, 
dated June 10, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone: 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax: 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.



[[Page 31851]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 9, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-11683 Filed 5-19-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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