Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 98 (Tuesday, May 23, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23512-23514]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10255]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9439; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-170-AD; 
Amendment 39-18870; AD 2017-09-08]
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 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a 
report indicating that during an airplane inspection in production, the 
variable frequency starter generator (VFSG) power feeder cables were 
found to contain terminal lugs incorrectly installed common to terminal 
blocks located in the wing front spar. This AD requires a general 
visual inspection of the wings, section 16, terminal lugs at the 
terminal power block of the VFSG power feeder cable for correct 
installation and applicable corrective actions. We are issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 27, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 27, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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; 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-2016-
9439.

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-2016-
9439; 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: Brendan Shanley, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6492; 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 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
December 16, 2016 (81 FR 91066) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted 
by a report indicating that during an airplane inspection in 
production, the VFSG power feeder cables were found to contain terminal 
lugs incorrectly installed common to terminal blocks located in the 
wing front spar. The NPRM proposed to require a general visual 
inspection of the wings, section 16, terminal lugs at the terminal 
power block of the VFSG power feeder cable for correct installation and 
applicable corrective actions. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct incorrectly installed terminal lugs which may contact adjacent 
structure and be damaged. Damaged terminal lugs could cause the 
potential loss of several functions essential for safe flight or 
electrical arcing in a flammable leakage zone, which could result in an 
electrical short and the possible introduction of energy into the main 
fuel tanks.

Comments

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

Support for the NPRM

    The Air Line Pilots Association, International, expressed support 
for the NPRM.

Request To Revise Compliance Time

    Boeing and All Nippon Airways (ANA) requested that we revise the 
compliance time specified in paragraph (g) of the proposed AD. Boeing 
stated that paragraph (g) of the proposed AD refers to paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB240027-
00, Issue 002, dated September 6, 2016 (``ASB B787-81205-SB240027-00, 
Issue 002'') and requested that we instead refer to paragraph 5., 
``Compliance,'' of ASB B787-81205-SB240027-00, Issue 002'' because that 
is the correct location for the applicable times. ANA stated that 
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' doesn't exist in ASB B787-81205-
SB240027-00, Issue 002, and recommended a compliance time of ``within 
12 months after the effective date of this AD.'' Boeing also 
recommended that the compliance time be tied to the effective date of 
the AD to allow operators a valid and acceptable time frame to perform 
the actions specified in ASB B787-81205-SB240027-00, Issue 002. 
Additionally, the commenters stated that the compliance time ``within 
12 months after the original issue date of this service bulletin,'' as 
specified in ASB B787-81205-SB240027-00, Issue 002, would put operators 
out of compliance upon AD issuance.
    We agree with the commenters. We have revised paragraph (g) of this 
AD to specify ``Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD'' 
and have removed reference to paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of ASB 
B787-81205-SB240027-00, Issue 002. We have determined that extending 
the compliance time from what was proposed will provide an acceptable 
level of safety.

Request To Clarify the Unsafe Condition Statement

    Boeing requested that we revise the ``Discussion'' section of the 
NPRM and paragraph (e) of the proposed AD to remove information about 
the potential to introduce energy into the main fuel tanks and include 
information about

[[Page 23513]]

potential loss of systems. Boeing stated that ``introduction of energy 
into the fuel tank'' is possible but doesn't fully describe the unsafe 
condition. Boeing noted that the ``BACKGROUND'' and ``REASON'' 
statements of ASB B787-81205-SB240027-00, Issue 002, specifically 
include information that the unsafe condition is due to the ``potential 
loss of several functions essential for safe flight.''
    We agree that clarification of the unsafe condition statement is 
necessary. We have revised the ``Discussion'' section of this final 
rule, and paragraph (e) of this AD to state that the unsafe condition 
is due to the ``potential loss of several functions essential for safe 
flight.'' However, we have not removed information about the potential 
to introduce energy into the main fuel tanks, because that information 
also describes the potential unsafe condition.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and 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.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed ASB B787-81205-SB240027-00, Issue 002. The service 
information describes procedures for a general visual inspection of the 
right and left wing, section 16, VFSG power feeder cable terminal lugs 
for correct installation 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 6 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.........................  8 work-hours x $85 per hour              $0            $680          $4,080
                                      = $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that 
will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way 
of determining the number of aircraft that might need these repairs:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rework wing terminal lugs..................  9 work-hours x $85 per hour = $765               $0            $765
                                              \1\.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Labor costs are specific to each wing (left or right.)

    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
    (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):


[[Page 23514]]


2017-09-08 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18870; Docket No. FAA-
2016-9439; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-170-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective June 27, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB240027-00, Issue 002, dated September 6, 2016 
(``ASB B787-81205-SB240027-00, Issue 002'').

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical 
power.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that during an 
airplane inspection in production, the variable frequency starter 
generator (VFSG) power feeder cables were found to contain terminal 
lugs incorrectly installed common to terminal blocks located in the 
wing front spar; the lugs were close to the structure causing the 
lug sleeve to come in contact with adjacent fasteners. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrectly installed terminal 
lugs which may contact adjacent structure and be damaged. Damaged 
terminal lugs could cause the potential loss of several functions 
essential for safe flight or electrical arcing in a flammable 
leakage zone, which could result in an electrical short and the 
possible introduction of energy into the main fuel tanks.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection of Terminal Lugs and Corrective Actions

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
general visual inspection of the right and left wing, section 16, 
VFSG power feeder cable terminal lugs at the terminal block for 
correct installation and do all applicable corrective actions, in 
accordance with ASB B787-81205-SB240027-00, Issue 002. Do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-
81205-SB240027-00, Issue 001, dated January 21, 2014.

(i) 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 (j)(1) 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Brendan Shanley, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6492; fax: 425-917-6590; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4) of this AD.

(k) 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 Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB240027-00, Issue 
002, dated September 6, 2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Boeing service information 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; 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 27, 2017.
Paul Bernado,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-10255 Filed 5-22-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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