Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 238 (Thursday, December 10, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 79411-79413]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-27005]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0586; Product Identifier 2020-NM-066-AD; Amendment 
39-21306; AD 2020-22-10]
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) 2018-14-
02, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, 
-300, and -300ER series airplanes. AD 2018-14-02 required an inspection 
for foam insulation on the dripshield above the overhead panel support 
structure and replacement if necessary. For certain airplanes, AD 2018-
14-02 also required replacement of foam insulation on the overhead 
panel support structure. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 
2018-14-02, and, for certain airplanes, this AD requires an inspection 
of the foam insulation on the overhead panel support structure, and 
replacement if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports that 
additional areas of Boeing Material Specification (BMS) 8-39 flexible 
urethane foam were found on the overhead panel support structure in the 
flight compartment. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 14, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 14, 
2021.

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, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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-2020-0586.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0586; 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, 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: Julie Linn, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin 
Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3584; 
email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2018-14-02, Amendment 39-19322 (83 FR 
31650, July 9, 2018) (``AD 2018-14-02''). AD 2018-14-02 applied to 
certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER 
series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 
28, 2020 (85 FR 45357). The NPRM was prompted by reports that 
additional areas of BMS 8-39 flexible urethane foam were found on the 
overhead panel support structure in the flight compartment. The 
degradation of the foam over time increases the potential for an 
uncontrolled fire below the passenger compartment floor and other 
locations outside the areas covered by smoke detection and fire 
protection systems. The NPRM proposed to continue to require the 
actions in AD 2018-14-02, and, for certain airplanes, the NPRM also 
proposed to require an inspection of the foam insulation on the 
overhead panel support structure, and replacement if necessary. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to address BMS 8-39 flexible urethane foam found in 
certain areas of an airplane, which, if exposed to an ignition source, 
could cause loss of control of the airplane during a fire.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this AD. The FAA has considered the comments received. 
Boeing and United Airlines indicated their support for the NPRM.

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 IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-
0621, Revision 2, dated February 28, 2020. This service information 
describes procedures for removal and replacement of the foam on the 
overhead panel support structure; a general visual inspection for foam 
insulation on the dripshield above the overhead panel support 
structure; a detailed inspection for foam insulation on the overhead 
panel support structure; and replacement if necessary. 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 132 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 79412]]



                                                                     Estimated Costs
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                Action                           Labor cost             Parts cost            Cost per product               Cost on U.S.  operators
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Inspection and replacement of foam     Up to 32 work-hours x $85 per          $5,611  Up to $8,331....................  Up to $1,099,692.
 insulation (retained actions from AD   hour = Up to $2,720.
 2018-14-02).
Detailed inspection and replacement    Up to 18 work-hours x $85 per          $5,840  Up to $7,370....................  Up to $972,840.
 (new proposed action).                 hour = Up to $1,530.
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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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-14-02, Amendment 39-19322 
(83 FR 31650, July 9, 2018), and
0
b: Adding the following new AD:

2020-22-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21306; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0586; Product Identifier 2020-NM-066-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 14, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-14-02, Amendment 39-19322 (83 FR 31650, 
July 9, 2018) (``AD 2018-14-02'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, and -300ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as 
identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, 
Revision 2, dated February 28, 2020.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that additional areas of Boeing 
Material Specification (BMS) 8-39 flexible urethane foam were found 
on the overhead panel support structure in the flight compartment. 
The degradation of the foam over time increases the potential for an 
uncontrolled fire below the passenger compartment floor and other 
locations outside the areas covered by smoke detection and fire 
protection systems. The FAA is issuing this AD to address BMS 8-39 
flexible urethane foam found in certain areas of an airplane, which, 
if exposed to an ignition source, could cause loss of control of the 
airplane during a fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the 
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 2, 
dated February 28, 2020, do all applicable actions identified as 
``RC'' (required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 2, dated February 28, 2020.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, 
Revision 2, dated February 28, 2020, uses the phrase ``the Revision 
2 date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the 
effective date of AD 2018-14-02.''
    (2) For any Group 1 Configuration 3 airplane as identified in 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 2, 
dated February 28, 2020, no action is required by this AD, provided 
that airplane remains in that configuration.

(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 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 2018-14-02 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 2, dated February 28, 2020, 
that are required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (5) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for

[[Page 79413]]

Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (i)(5)(i) and (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 Julie Linn, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, 
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
phone and fax: 206-231-3584; 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 Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, 
Revision 2, dated February 28, 2020.
    (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, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on October 19, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-27005 Filed 12-9-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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