Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 169 (Thursday, September 1, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53654-53656]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-18774]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0290; Project Identifier AD-2021-01266-T; 
Amendment 39-22109; AD 2022-14-04]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. 
This AD was prompted by a report from Boeing that Rolls-Royce 
Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) discovered a design issue in the engine 
fuel feed system, which could result in fuel flow restrictions to both 
engines when ice that has accumulated in the airplane fuel feed system 
suddenly releases into the engines. This AD requires revising the 
existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to update the limitations on 
minimum fuel temperatures. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 6, 2022.

ADDRESSES: 

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0290; 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: Tak Kobayashi, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3553; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA 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, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on April 14, 2022 (87 FR 22158). The NPRM was 
prompted by a report from Boeing that RRD discovered a design issue in 
the engine fuel feed system, which could result in fuel flow 
restrictions to both engines when ice that has accumulated in the 
airplane fuel feed system suddenly releases into the engines. In the 
NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing AFM to update 
the limitations on minimum fuel temperatures. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address possible fuel flow restrictions to both engines, which 
could result in loss of dual engine thrust control and reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Except for minor editorial 
changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the 
changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD interim action. Boeing is currently 
working with RRD to develop updated electronic engine control (EEC) 
software, which will change the engine oil temperature amber line 
indicated in the engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS). 
This change will ensure that, before takeoff, the engine oil 
temperature would be warm enough to operate the engine with cold fuel. 
The updated EEC software combined with the action required by this AD 
will address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this 
software is developed, approved, and available, the FAA might consider 
additional rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 14 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revising the existing AFM.............  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85          $1,190
                                         hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 53655]]

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) 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.

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:

2022-14-04 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22109; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0290; Project Identifier AD-2021-01266-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 6, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 
787-10 airplanes, certificated in any category, with Rolls-Royce 
Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Model Trent 1000-A (including -A/01 and -A/
01A), Trent 1000-A2, Trent 1000-AE (including -AE/01A), Trent 1000-
AE2, Trent 1000-AE3, Trent 1000-C (including -C/01 and -C/01A), 
Trent 1000-C2, Trent 1000-CE (including -CE/01A), Trent 1000-CE2, 
Trent 1000-CE3, Trent 1000-D (including -D/01 and -D/01A), Trent 
1000-D2, Trent 1000-D3, Trent 1000-E (including -E/01 and -E/01A), 
Trent 1000-E2, Trent 1000-G (including -G/01 and -G/01A), Trent 
1000-G2, Trent 1000-G3, Trent 1000-H (including -H/01 and -H/01A), 
Trent 1000-H2, Trent 1000-H3, Trent 1000-J2, Trent 1000-J3, Trent 
1000-K2, Trent 1000-K3, Trent 1000-L2, Trent 1000-L3, Trent 1000-M3, 
Trent 1000-N3, Trent 1000-P3, Trent 1000-Q3, or Trent 1000-R3 
engines installed.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report from Boeing that Rolls-Royce 
Deutschland Ltd & Co KG discovered a design issue in the engine fuel 
feed system, which could result in fuel flow restrictions to both 
engines when ice that has accumulated in the airplane fuel feed 
system suddenly releases into the engines. The sudden release of 
accumulated ice into the engine fuel feed system, in combination 
with low fuel temperatures, could cause freezing temperatures at the 
inlet of certain engine fuel feed system components. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address possible fuel flow restrictions to both 
engines, which could result in loss of dual engine thrust control 
and reduced controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
existing AFM to incorporate the information specified in figure 1 to 
paragraph (g) of this AD into the ``Certificate Limitations'' 
chapter of the applicable Engine Appendix of the existing AFM.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01SE22.014

(h) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 (i) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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

[[Page 53656]]

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.

(i) 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 and fax: 206-231-
3553; email: [email protected].

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on June 24, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-18774 Filed 8-31-22; 8:45 am]
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