Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 141 (Monday, July 23, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34753-34755]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-15535]



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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 141 / Monday, July 23, 2018 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 34753]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0114; Product Identifier 2017-NM-167-AD; Amendment 
39-19335; AD 2018-15-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for The 
Boeing Company Model 787 series airplanes powered by Rolls Royce Trent 
1000 engines. This AD was prompted by a report of failures of the inner 
fixed structure (IFS) forward upper fire seal and damage to thermal 
insulation blankets in the forward upper area of the thrust reverser 
(TR). This AD requires an inspection to determine the part number of 
the IFS forward upper fire seal, and applicable on-condition actions. 
We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 27, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 27, 
2018.

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 Standards 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 on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0114.

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-2018-
0114; 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, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Operations, 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: Tak Kobayashi, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA; phone: 206-231-3553; 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 The Boeing Company Model 
787 series airplanes powered by Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 23, 2018 (83 FR 
8017). The NPRM was prompted by reports of failures of the IFS forward 
upper fire seal and damage to thermal insulation blankets in the 
forward upper area of the TR. The NPRM proposed to require an 
inspection to determine the part number of the IFS forward upper fire 
seal, and applicable on-condition actions.
    We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the IFS forward upper 
fire seal, which causes the loss of seal pressurization and allows fan 
bypass air to enter the engine core compartment. Fan bypass air 
entering the engine core compartment could degrade the ability to 
detect and extinguish an engine fire, resulting in an uncontrolled 
fire. Furthermore, fan bypass air entering the engine core compartment 
could cause damage to the TR insulation blanket, resulting in thermal 
damage to the TR inner wall, the subsequent release of engine exhaust 
components, and consequent damage to critical areas of the airplane.

Comments

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

Support for the NPRM

    Boeing supported the intent of the NPRM.

Request To Include Additional Action

    An anonymous commenter requested that an additional action be 
included in the proposed AD. The commenter proposed that Boeing develop 
an inspection of the thermal blankets and fire seals to ensure the 
integrity and safe operation of these components. The commenter 
expressed concern that a thermal blanket could fail due to insufficient 
sealing by the fire seals that have incorporated the modification 
mandated by this AD. The modification of the fire seals is specified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB780033-00, Issue 001, dated 
November 1, 2017 (``BASB B787-81205-SB780033-00, Issue 001'').
    The commenter stated that the post-modification fire seals are 
still failing. The commenter is aware of 30 findings of fire seal/
thermal blanket damage across a fleet size of 16 airplanes. The 
commenter noted that there were 18 findings prior to incorporation of 
the modification of the fire seals specified in BASB B787-81205-
SB780033-00, Issue 001, and 12 findings after incorporation of that 
modification. The commenter is concerned that the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD could still exist after accomplishment of the 
mandatory modification.
    We do not agree with the commenter's request. We do not want to 
delay the publication of this AD by adding a new inspection requirement 
that will require additional time for public comment. We have 
determined that the modification of the fire seals required by this AD 
addresses the design issue of the fire seal end cap that resulted in 
failure of the IFS forward upper fire seal and damage to the thermal 
blanket. We are aware of operator reports that damage to the IFS 
forward upper fire seal and

[[Page 34754]]

thermal blanket has been discovered on airplanes on which the 
modification specified in BASB B787-81205-SB780033-00, Issue 001, has 
been done. The airplane manufacturer is investigating the root cause of 
this damage and, when the root cause is identified, we may consider 
further rulemaking at that time. We have not changed this AD in this 
regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule 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 addressing 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

    Boeing has issued Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB780033-00, Issue 001, dated November 1, 2017. This service 
information describes procedures for an inspection to determine the 
part number of the IFS forward upper fire seal and applicable on-
condition 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 13 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.........................  8 work-hours x $85 per hour              $0            $680          $8,840
                                      = $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition 
actions that will be required. We have no way of determining the number 
of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

                                     Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                                  Labor cost                                       Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $680 (fire seal replacement, 4 per airplane)....          $4,532           $5,212
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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):

2018-15-03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19335; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0114; Product Identifier 2017-NM-167-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 27, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

[[Page 34755]]

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, powered by Rolls Royce 
Trent 1000 engines.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78, Engine 
Exhaust System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of failures of the inner fixed 
structure (IFS) forward upper fire seal and damage to thermal 
insulation blankets in the forward upper area of the thrust reverser 
(TR). We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the IFS forward 
upper fire seal, which causes the loss of seal pressurization and 
allows fan bypass air to enter the engine core compartment. Fan 
bypass air entering the engine core compartment could degrade the 
ability to detect and extinguish an engine fire, resulting in an 
uncontrolled fire. Furthermore, fan bypass air entering the engine 
core compartment could cause damage to the TR insulation blanket, 
resulting in thermal damage to the TR inner wall, the subsequent 
release of engine exhaust components, and consequent damage to 
critical areas of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    For Model 787-8 and 787-9 series airplanes identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB780033-00, Issue 001, dated 
November 1, 2017 (``BASB B787-81205-SB780033-00, Issue 001''): 
Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do all 
applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) 
in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of BASB 
B787-81205-SB780033-00, Issue 001.

(h) Parts Installation Prohibition

    For Model 787 series airplanes powered by Rolls Royce Trent 1000 
engines, as of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
a thrust reverser with an IFS forward upper fire seal having part 
number (P/N) 725Z3171-127 or P/N 725Z3171-128.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO 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 local Flight Standards District 
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (j) 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 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.
    (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as RC, the provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) of this 
AD 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. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the 
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. 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.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Tak Kobayashi, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3553; 
email: [email protected].

(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-SB780033-00, Issue 
001, dated November 1, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For 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 
Standards 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 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 Des Moines, Washington, on July 13, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-15535 Filed 7-20-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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