Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 158 (Wednesday, August 15, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40443-40445]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-17481]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1022; Product Identifier 2017-NM-098-AD; Amendment 
39-19357; AD 2018-17-03]
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. This AD was 
prompted by reports of failures of the lip heater assemblies of the 
inlet ice protection system of the cabin air compressor (CAC) due to 
chafing. This AD requires changing the airplane electrical connectors 
and the routes of certain wire bundles, and installing new or modified 
left and right CAC inlet duct assemblies. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 19, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
19, 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 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-2017-
1022.

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-2017-
1022; 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: Joe Salemeh, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3536; 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. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on November 17, 2017 (82 FR 54302). The NPRM was prompted by 
reports of failures of the CAC inlet ice protection system (CIPS) inlet 
lip heater assemblies due to chafing of the CIPS inlet lip heater wire 
harness against adjacent structures. The NPRM proposed to require 
changing the airplane electrical connectors and the routes of certain 
wire bundles, and installing new or modified left and right CAC inlet 
duct assemblies. We are issuing this AD to address any damage to the 
CIPS inlet lip heater wire bundle, which could cause an electrical 
short and potential loss of functions essential for safe flight 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.

Request for Clarification of Affected Spare Parts

    Oman Air requested clarification regarding whether the proposed AD 
applies only to the airplane line numbers specified in the service 
information, or whether the proposed AD would also require modification 
of spare ducts.
    Oman Air stated that the applicability in the proposed AD includes 
those airplanes that are specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB300019-00, Issue 001, dated March 22, 2017. Oman Air also 
stated that the service information also affects spare CAC inlet duct 
assemblies with part numbers specified in the service information. Oman 
Air commented that the service information recommended that the spares 
be modified in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-
81205-SB300019-00, or any later FAA-approved revision. Oman Air stated 
that there is no mention of spares in the proposed rule, no compliance 
time associated with the spares, and no parts installation prohibition 
paragraph.
    We agree to clarify. This AD applies only to the airplanes 
specified in the applicability, which includes Boeing Model 787-8 and 
787-9 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB300019-00, Issue 002, dated April 
20, 2018. Modification of spare parts is not required by this AD 
because operators must maintain affected airplanes in the required 
configuration. The FAA is not mandating action on spare parts, but an 
operator that wants to use those parts and not discard them must do the 
modification using the component service information. In addition, the 
existing spare parts cannot be installed after the accomplishment of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB300019-00, Issue 001, dated 
March 22, 2017, because the electrical connectors are different due to 
the modifications in the component service information and the airplane 
service information. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

[[Page 40444]]

Request To Use the Information Notice

    All Nippon Airways (ANA), Boeing, and United Airlines (UAL) 
requested that the FAA use Boeing Information Notice B787-A-30-00-0019-
02A-931E-D, Issue 001, dated December 15, 2017, as a source when 
referencing Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB300019-00, Issue 
001, dated March 22, 2017. Boeing stated that the information notice 
informs operators of a wire termination reference error that does not 
affect system function or airplane safety. ANA stated that the 
correction in the information notice must be incorporated in 
conjunction with the incorporation of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB300019-00, Issue 001, dated March 22, 2017. UAL stated 
that the use of the information notice would avoid unnecessary requests 
for alternative methods of compliance (AMOC).
    We agree with the commenters. We agree that the information notice 
corrects a wiring termination reference error for certain 
configurations to make it consistent with the 787 Wiring Diagram Manual 
and that accomplishing the service information with the wiring error 
does not affect system function or airplane safety. The manufacturer 
has revised the service information to correct the wiring termination 
reference error; therefore, we have revised paragraph (g) of this AD to 
require accomplishment of the actions in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB300019-00, Issue 002, dated April 20, 
2018. We have also added paragraph (h) to this AD to give credit for 
actions completed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB300019-00, Issue 001, dated March 
22, 2017. In addition, we have given credit for Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB300019-00, Issue 001, dated March 22, 2017, in 
conjunction with Boeing Information Notice B787-A-30-00-0019-02A-931E-
D, Issue 001, dated December 15, 2017. We redesignated subsequent 
paragraphs accordingly.

Conclusion

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

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB300019-00, 
Issue 002, dated April 20, 2018. This service information describes 
procedures for changing the airplane electrical connectors and the 
routes of certain wire bundles, and installing new or modified left and 
right CAC inlet duct assemblies. 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 66 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change and installation...............  20 work-hours x $85 per          $32,937         $34,637      $2,286,042
                                         hour = $1,700.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, all 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.
    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,

[[Page 40445]]

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):

2018-17-03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19357; Docket No. FAA-
2017-1022; Product Identifier 2017-NM-098-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 19, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB300019-00, Issue 002, dated 
April 20, 2018.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30, Ice/Rain 
protection system wiring.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of failures of the Cabin Air 
Compressor (CAC) inlet ice protection system (CIPS) inlet lip heater 
assemblies due to chafing of the CIPS inlet lip heater wire harness 
against adjacent structures. We are issuing this AD to address any 
damage to the CIPS inlet lip heater wire bundle, which could cause 
an electrical short and potential loss of functions essential for 
safe flight of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    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 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB300019-00, Issue 002, 
dated April 20, 2018.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) 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-SB300019-00, Issue 001, dated March 22, 2017.
    (2) 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-SB300019-00, Issue 001, dated March 22, 2017, in conjunction 
with Boeing Information Notice B787-A-30-00-0019-02A-931E-D, Issue 
001, dated December 15, 2017.

(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, 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 Joe Salemeh, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO 
Branch, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and 
fax: 206-231-3536; 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-SB300019-00, Issue 
002, dated April 20, 2018.
    (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 
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 August 5, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-17481 Filed 8-14-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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