Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 59 (Friday, March 28, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14026-14029]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-05295]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2410; Project Identifier AD-2024-00509-T; 
Amendment 39-22998; AD 2025-06-10]
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 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 possible horizontal stabilizer pivot pin 
lockring, outer pivot pin, and outboard spacer misalignment at final 
assembly. This AD requires inspection of the left-side and right-side 
horizontal stabilizer pivot pin assemblies for misalignment and 
incorrect gapping, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 2, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 2, 2025.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2410; 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For Boeing material 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; website myboeingfleet.com.

[[Page 14027]]

    <bullet> You may view this material 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 at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2410.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Hodgin, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3962; 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 November 22, 2024 (89 FR 92612). The NPRM was 
prompted by possible misalignment, at final assembly, of the horizontal 
stabilizer pivot pin lockring, outer pivot pin, and outboard spacer. In 
the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require inspection of the left-side and 
right-side horizontal stabilizer pivot pin assemblies for misalignment 
and incorrect gapping, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address a pivot pin outboard spacer that has been 
found to not be set correctly flush against the horizontal stabilizer 
pivot bearing and outboard washer due to a misaligned pivot pin 
lockring. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
decreased lateral load capacity, which could cause the loss of pivot 
pin retention parts and lead to loss of the horizontal stabilizer and 
loss of continued safe flight and landing.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA), Boeing, United Airlines (United), and Etihad 
Airways (Etihad). ALPA supported the NPRM and had additional comments. 
The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to each comment.

Request To Clarify Inspection Area

    Boeing, United, and Etihad requested the proposed AD be revised to 
clarify an inspection area. The commenters said that flag notes [1] and 
[3] in Table 1 of Task 5 in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024, state to do a 
detailed inspection of the right side horizontal stabilizer pivot pin. 
The commenters stated Task 5 is for the left side horizontal stabilizer 
pivot pin assembly and the wording ``right side'' in Task 5, Table 1, 
Flag Notes [1] and [3] is a typographical error. Etihad stated that 
Boeing has confirmed this and other errors in Boeing Alert Requirements 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024, 
and stated that Boeing plans to revise the service information to 
address these errors. Etihad added that it would not be able to 
accomplish the proposed requirements without approved deviations.
    The FAA agrees with the request to correct the inspection area for 
the reasons provided. The FAA has added an exception in paragraph 
(h)(2) of this AD accordingly. Further, the FAA notes that the other 
errors mentioned by Etihad are addressed in the following comment 
responses.

Request To Correct a Part Number

    Boeing and Etihad requested the proposed AD be revised to correct a 
part number. The commenters said Step 15 of Table 1 of Task 6 in Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
August 30, 2024, specifies an incorrect part number for TRAP FITTING, 
i.e., listed as part number (P/N) 182W6405-1. Boeing stated that the 
part number for TRAP FITTING in Task 6, Table 1, Step 15 should be 
313Z6455-501.
    The FAA agrees with the request to correct a part number for the 
reasons provided. The FAA has added an exception in paragraph (h)(3) of 
this AD accordingly.

Request To Remove Incorrect Part Number

    Boeing, United, and Etihad requested the proposed AD be revised to 
remove reference to an incorrect part number. The commenters observed 
that several places in Tasks 5 through 8 in Boeing Alert Requirements 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024, 
specify an incorrect antirotation plate part number, noting the 
specified part number is for the trap fitting. United added that the 
trap fitting part number is not mentioned in other steps and should be 
removed. Etihad and Boeing noted that the antirotation plate is kept 
and reinstalled, so specifying a part number is not necessary.
    The FAA agrees with the request to remove references to the 
incorrect antirotation part for the reasons provided. The FAA has added 
an exception in paragraph (h)(4) of this AD accordingly.

Request To Correct Certain Instructions

    Etihad requested that instructions in Part 4 step (a) and Part 5 
step (a) of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00, Issue 
001, dated August 30, 2024, be corrected to specify that the referenced 
AMM [Aircraft Maintenance Manual] task is for installation, not 
removal. The commenter noted that the AMM title is incorrectly listed 
as being ``. . . Assembly--Removal,'' when it should be ``. . . 
Assembly--Installation.'' Etihad stated that Boeing confirmed the 
information would be corrected in the next bulletin revision.
    The FAA acknowledges the typographical error in the service 
information. However, those instructions are not in Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
August 30, 2024. They are only included in the related service 
bulletin, which, as specified in Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, 
provides guidance for accomplishing the actions in this AD. 
Instructions not included in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024, are not 
required for compliance with this AD. Therefore, the FAA has determined 
this AD does not need to be changed regarding this issue.

Request To Refer to Later Revision of the Service Information

    ALPA noted that, based on information provided by an air carrier in 
the docket for the proposed AD, it appears that Boeing is in the 
process of updating the service information referenced in the proposed 
AD. ALPA therefore recommended updating the proposed AD to refer to the 
latest version of the service information.
    The FAA agrees to clarify. A revised version of Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
August 30, 2024, has not been issued. However, as previously noted, 
this AD has been revised to address several errors that would otherwise 
prevent operators from complying with this AD. The FAA might consider 
additional rulemaking, however, if revised service information is 
published that requires additional actions to address the unsafe 
condition. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Extend Compliance Time

    United and Etihad requested an extension of the compliance time to 
36

[[Page 14028]]

months. United requested the extension to match the existing 
Maintenance Planning Data check interval. Etihad stated it expects the 
AD will be due before the next C check of certain aircraft (due in 
quarter 1 of 2025) and therefore it might look for an option to either 
have dedicated inputs to comply with the AD or to advance the next C 
check, which is not desirable.
    The FAA disagrees with the request. In developing an appropriate 
compliance time for this action, the FAA considered the recommendations 
of the manufacturer, the urgency associated with the subject unsafe 
condition, the availability of required parts, and the practical aspect 
of accomplishing the required actions within a period of time that 
corresponds to the normal scheduled maintenance for most affected 
operators. In consideration of these items, the FAA has determined that 
a 32 month compliance time will ensure an acceptable level of safety. 
However, under the provisions of paragraph (i) of this AD, the FAA will 
consider requests for approval of an extension of the compliance time 
if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that the new 
compliance time would provide an acceptable level of safety. The FAA 
has not changed this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and 
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed 
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on 
any operator.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024. This material 
specifies procedures for a detailed inspection of the left-side and 
right-side horizontal stabilizer pivot pin assemblies for misalignment 
and incorrect gapping and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition 
actions include replacement of the left or right horizontal stabilizer 
pivot pin assembly if any misalignment or incorrect gapping is found. 
This material 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 145 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection..........................  2 work-hours x $85 per               $0             $170          $24,650
                                       hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement..................................  12 work-hours x $85 per hour =          $47,730          $48,750
                                                $1,020.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact 
on affected operators.

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

    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:

[[Page 14029]]

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:

2025-06-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22998; Docket No. FAA-
2024-2410; Project Identifier AD-2024-00509-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 2, 2025.

(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, as identified in 
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 
001, dated August 30, 2024.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by possible misalignment, at final 
assembly, of the horizontal stabilizer pivot pin lockring, outer 
pivot pin, and outboard spacer. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address a pivot pin outboard spacer that has been found to not be 
set correctly flush against the horizontal stabilizer pivot bearing 
and outboard washer due to a misaligned pivot pin lockring. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in decreased 
lateral load capacity, which could cause the loss of pivot pin 
retention parts and lead to loss of the horizontal stabilizer and 
loss of continued safe flight and landing.

(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 the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, 
dated August 30, 2024, do all applicable actions identified in, and 
in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
August 30, 2024.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions 
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB550013-00, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024, which is 
referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024.

(h) Exceptions to Requirements Bulletin Specifications

    (1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the 
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024, refers to 
the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 
RB, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where flag notes [1] and [3] of Table 1 of Task 5 in Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, 
dated August 30, 2024, state to do a detailed inspection of the 
horizontal stabilizer pivot pin ``right side,'' this AD requires 
replacing that text with ``left side.''
    (3) Where Step 15 of Table 1 of Task 6 in Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
August 30, 2024, specifies to install a trap fitting having part 
number ``182W6405-1,'' this AD requires replacing that text with 
``313Z6455-501.''
    (4) Where Tasks 5 to 8 specified in Boeing Alert Requirements 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 30, 
2024, specify a part number for the antirotation plate of 
``313Z6455-501,'' this AD requires replacing that text with ``-.''

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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 
(j)(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 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 Manager, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Joseph Hodgin, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 
98198; phone: 206-231-3962; email: [email protected].
    (2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by 
reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (k)(3) 
this AD.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph 
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 
RB, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Boeing material 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; website myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this material 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 material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on March 21, 2025.
Paul R. Bernado,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-05295 Filed 3-27-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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