Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 55 (Friday, March 20, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15930-15933]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-05709]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0602; Product Identifier 2019-NM-016-AD; Amendment 
39-19874; AD 2020-05-24]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-26-
01, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 series 
airplanes. AD 2010-26-01 required installing a new insulation blanket 
on the latch beam firewall of each thrust reverser (T/R) half. This AD 
requires retaining the requirements of 2010-26-01. This AD also adds 
airplanes to the applicability. For those airplanes, this AD requires 
an inspection to determine if the installed T/R has an affected part 
number and, if an affected part number is found, installation of a new 
insulation blanket. This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight 
shutdown due to an engine fire indication and a determination that 
additional airplanes are affected. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 24, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 24, 
2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
January 20, 2011 (75 FR 78594, December 16, 2010).

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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0602.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.govby searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0602; 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 is 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: James Laubaugh, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3622; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2010-26-01, Amendment 39-16540 (75 FR 
78594, December 16, 2010) (``AD 2010-26-01''). AD 2010-26-01 applied to 
certain Model 777-200 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on August 9, 2019 (84 FR 39241). The NPRM was prompted 
by a report of an in-flight shutdown due to an engine fire indication; 
an under-cowl engine fire was extinguished after landing. The NPRM was 
also prompted by a determination that additional airplanes are 
affected. The NPRM proposed to continue to require installing a new 
insulation blanket on the latch beam firewall of each T/R half. The 
NPRM also proposed to add airplanes to the applicability. For those 
airplanes, the NPRM proposed to require an inspection to determine if 
the installed T/R has an affected part number and, if an affected part 
number is found, installation of a new insulation blanket. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the potential for a fire from entering the 
cowl or strut area, which could weaken T/R parts and result in reduced 
structural integrity of the T/R, possible separation of T/R parts 
during flight, and consequent damage to the airplane, injury to people, 
and damage to property on the ground.

Comments

    The FAA 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 (ALPA) and United 
Airlines stated their support for the NPRM.

Request To Revise the Cost of Compliance

    Boeing requested that the FAA revise the Cost of Compliance 
paragraph in the NPRM. Boeing stated that the proposed AD would affect 
4 additional airplanes for a total of 29 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
Boeing stated that the 4 additional airplanes are equipped with Model 
GE 90-90B engines with line numbers greater than 413 and are therefore 
not identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 
2, dated April 8, 2010, and not affected by AD 2010-26-01.
    The FAA concurs with the request and has revised the Cost of 
Compliance paragraph of this final rule to include 29 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The four additional airplanes are Model 777-200 series with 
the specified engines already included in the applicability of the 
proposed AD. Although the effectivity of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
777-78A0066, Revision 2, dated April 8, 2010, does not include those 
four additional airplanes, the FAA determined that the actions in that 
service information are applicable to the additional airplanes.

Request To Revise the Applicability

    Boeing requested that the applicability paragraph in the proposed 
AD also include Model 777-200 series airplanes equipped with General 
Electric Company (GE) GE90-92B engines. Boeing stated that there are 
two

[[Page 15931]]

airplanes equipped with GE90-92B engines that are affected by AD 2010-
26-01 and are not included in the applicability of the proposed AD.
    The FAA disagrees with the commenter's request. The FAA has 
investigated the circumstances surrounding the comment and determined 
that the Model GE90-92B engine is not identified on the existing U.S. 
type certificate data sheet (TCDS). At the engine manufacturer's 
request, the Model GE90-92B engine was removed from the Engine TCDS No. 
E00049EN at Revision 8, dated October 12, 2000. The FAA has also 
confirmed with the engine manufacturer that there are no Model GE90-92B 
engines in service or certified for installation on Boeing Model 777 
airplanes, as specified in Airplane TCDS No. T00001SE, Revision 43, 
dated August 28, 2019. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Clarify T/R Interchangeability

    Boeing requested that the FAA revise the section ``Actions Since AD 
2010-26-01 Was Issued'' of the NPRM to state that the installation of a 
T/R specified in AD 2010-26-01 onto an airplane outside of the 
applicability of that AD is possible, but it is not allowed. Boeing 
commented that the interchangeability of the T/Rs delivered on Model 
777-200 series airplanes equipped with GE90-76B, -85B, -90B, -92B, or -
94B engines is controlled by the ``released engineering'' that defines 
the type design, which includes the 315W1295 Interchangeability 
Drawings (Sheets 1-9). Boeing also commented that there is a one-way 
interchangeability restriction that does not allow the earlier, 
affected T/Rs specified in AD 2010-26-01 to be installed on an airplane 
that is not subject to that AD.
    The FAA partially agrees. The FAA agrees that the T/R configuration 
referenced in AD 2010-26-01 is not part of the manufacturer's type 
design, based on the drawings the manufacturer provided. However, the 
FAA disagrees with adding a clarification statement about the 
manufacturer's type design to this AD because it is not relevant to the 
purpose of this AD. The purpose of the AD is to address the safety 
concern in the design of those parts. The manufacturer's type design 
does not preclude an owner or operator from installing the affected 
parts. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.

Request for Clarification of the Inspection

    Japan Airlines (JAL) requested clarification of the inspection in 
paragraph (h) of the proposed AD. JAL asked whether it is acceptable to 
determine the T/R part number with the airplane delivery document from 
Boeing if the following conditions are met: the T/R has never been 
replaced since the airplane delivery from Boeing; and no modification 
requiring change of the part number has been done on the T/R.
    The FAA agrees to provide clarification. The FAA expects that the 
inspection will contain a thorough review of all relevant airplane 
configuration documentation and it is possible documentation alone may 
be used to show compliance with this requirement. The principal 
maintenance inspector responsible for accepting the documentation will 
determine the adequacy of the supplied documentation in showing if the 
affected parts are in service. The FAA has not revised this AD in this 
regard.

Request for Collaboration To Address Rotable Parts

    Boeing requested that the FAA and Boeing collaborate with its 
airline partners, other original equipment manufacturers, and the 
national Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA) to develop an action to 
implement safe, fair, and consistent policy to address concerns on 
rotable parts for the industry. Boeing stated that it acknowledges 
there is a difference between the Boeing service information and the 
FAA's rulemaking in capturing the airplane effectivity. Boeing 
commented that there may be some instances where operators are rotating 
parts outside of type design, beyond effectivity limits or having T/Rs 
installed onto airplane configurations in which service information and 
design changes have already been incorporated. Boeing stated it 
understands the FAA's concerns with the possibility of parts being 
rotated outside the effectivity contained in the Boeing service 
information and would like to seek an alternative solution to address 
these concerns.
    The FAA supports the commenter's proposal to address rotable parts 
under the collaborative efforts of the FAA, other civil aviation 
authorities, airplane manufacturers, and airplane operators. Any future 
collaborative efforts to address rotable parts will be coordinated 
outside of this AD. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this AD as proposed, except for minor editorial 
changes. The FAA has 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

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 3, 
dated April 28, 2011. This service information describes procedures for 
installing a new insulation blanket on the latch beam firewall of each 
T/R half. The installation includes, for certain airplanes, inspecting 
to determine if fitting part number 315W1436-4 is installed on the aft 
latch beam of the right side T/R and, for affected fittings, cutting 
the clevis from the affected fitting.
    This AD would also require Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
78A0066, Revision 2, dated April 8, 2010, which the Director of the 
Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of January 
20, 2011 (75 FR 78594, December 16, 2010).
    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

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 29 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per  product       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blanket installation (retained    7 work-hours x $85  Up to $5,253......  Up to $5,848......  Up to $122,808.
 actions from AD 2010-26-01) (21   per hour = $595.
 airplanes).

[[Page 15932]]

 
Inspection and blanket            Up to 13            Up to $7,529......  Up to $8,634......  Up to $69,072.
 installation (new proposed        work[dash]hours x
 action) (8 airplanes).            $85 per hour = Up
                                   to $1,105.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA has determined that 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2010-26-01, Amendment 39-16540 (75 FR 78594, December 16, 2010), and 
adding the following new AD:

2020-05-24 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19874; Docket No. FAA-
2019-0602; Product Identifier 2019-NM-016-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 24, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2010-26-01, Amendment 39-16540 (75 FR 78594, 
December 16, 2010) (``AD 2010-26-01'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with General 
Electric Company (GE) GE90-76B, -85B, -90B, or -94B engines.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight shutdown due to 
an engine fire indication; an under-cowl engine fire was 
extinguished after landing. This AD was also prompted by a 
determination that additional airplanes are affected. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the potential for a fire from entering 
the cowl or strut area, which could weaken thrust reverser (T/R) 
parts and result in reduced structural integrity of the T/R, 
possible separation of T/R parts during flight, and consequent 
damage to the airplane, injury to people, and damage to property on 
the ground.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Installation of Insulation Blanket, with Revised Service 
Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2010-26-01, with revised service information. For airplanes 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 2, 
dated April 8, 2010: Within 60 months or 4,500 flight cycles after 
January 20, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2010-26-01), whichever is 
first, install a new insulation blanket on the latch beam firewall 
of each T/R half by doing all the applicable actions specified in 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
78A0066, Revision 3, dated April 28, 2011.

(h) New Requirement: Installation of Insulation Blanket for Additional 
Airplanes

    For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g) of this AD: Within 
60 months or 4,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever is first, inspect to determine if the installed T/R 
has any affected part number as identified in paragraphs (h)(1) 
through (5) of this AD. If an affected T/R is found or if it cannot 
be determined which T/R is installed, within 60 months or 4,500 
flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever is 
first, install a new insulation blanket on the latch beam firewall 
of each T/R half by doing all the applicable actions specified in 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
78A0066, Revision 3, dated April 28, 2011, except as specified in 
paragraph (i) of this AD. A review of airplane maintenance records 
is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if it can be conclusively 
determined from that review that the installed T/R is not an 
affected T/R. A review of airplane maintenance records is also 
acceptable in lieu of this inspection if it can be conclusively 
determined from that review that an affected T/R is installed and 
the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, 
Revision 3, dated April 28, 2011, have already been done on that T/
R.
    (1) 315W1001-XX (all--where ``XX'' is any combination of numbers 
and letters that follow the dash).
    (2) 315W1295-1 through 315W1295-222 inclusive.
    (3) 315W1295-5001 through 315W1295-5222 inclusive.
    (4) 315W1295-5501 through 315W1295-5722 inclusive.
    (5) 315W1295-6101 through 315W1295-6322 inclusive.

(i) Exceptions to Service Information Specification

    (1) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 3, dated April 
28, 2011, defines Group 1 as ``all 777-200 airplanes with GE90 
engines through line number 413 with a forward insulation blanket''; 
however, for paragraph (h) of this AD, Group 1 is defined as ``all 
777-200 airplanes with GE90 engines with a forward insulation 
blanket.''
    (2) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 3, dated April 
28, 2011, defines

[[Page 15933]]

Group 2 as ``all 777-200 airplanes with GE90 engines through line 
number 413 without a forward insulation blanket''; however, for 
paragraph (h) of this AD, Group 2 is defined as ``all 777-200 
airplanes with GE90 engines without a forward insulation blanket.''
    (3) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 3, dated April 
28, 2011, defines Group 2 Configuration 1 as ``all 777-200 airplanes 
with GE90 engines through line number 413 without a forward 
insulation blanket and without the fitting assembly at the aft 
insulation blanket location''; however, for paragraph (h) of this 
AD, Group 2 Configuration 1 is defined as ``all 777-200 airplanes 
with GE90 engines without a forward insulation blanket and without 
the fitting assembly at the aft insulation blanket location.''
    (4) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 3, dated April 
28, 2011, defines Group 2 Configuration 2 as ``all 777-200 airplanes 
with GE90 engines through line number 413 without a forward 
insulation blanket and with the fitting assembly at the aft 
insulation blanket location''; however, for paragraph (h) of this 
AD, Group 2 Configuration 2 is defined as ``all 777-200 airplanes 
with GE90 engines without a forward insulation blanket and with the 
fitting assembly at the aft insulation blanket location.''

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using one of the service 
bulletins specified in paragraphs (j)(1) through (3) of this AD.
    (1) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, dated June 5, 
2008.
    (2) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 1, dated March 
12, 2009.
    (3) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 2, dated 
April 8, 2010.

(k) 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 (l)(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 Company 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) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2010-26-01 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of this AD.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact James Laubaugh, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-
3622; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (m)(5) and (6) of this AD.

(m) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 24, 2020.
    (i) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 3, dated April 
28, 2011.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
January 20, 2011 (75 FR 78594, December 16, 2010).
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 2, dated 
April 8, 2010.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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.
    (7) 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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on March 9, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-05709 Filed 3-19-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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