[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 107 (Tuesday, June 6, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25983-25986]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-11258]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0527; Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-015-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-09-
12, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 
airplanes. AD 2016-09-12 currently requires repetitive inspections of 
the bilge barriers located in the forward and aft cargo compartments 
for disengaged decompression panels, and reinstalling any disengaged 
panels. Since we issued AD 2016-09-12, a terminating modification has 
been developed to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would 
retain the actions required by AD 2016-09-12 and require replacing the 
existing decompression panels with new panels and straps, which would 
terminate the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD also removes 
airplanes from the effectivity. We are proposing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 21, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740; telephone 
562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also 
available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0527.

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-
0527; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Caspar Wang, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin 
Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6414; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-0527; 
Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-015-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On April 25, 2016, we issued AD 2016-09-12, Amendment 39-18510 (81 
FR 27300, May 6, 2016) (``AD 2016-09-12''), for certain The Boeing 
Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes. AD 2016-09-12 requires 
repetitive inspections of the bilge barriers located

[[Page 25984]]

in the forward and aft cargo compartments for disengaged decompression 
panels, and reinstalling any disengaged panels. AD 2016-09-12 resulted 
from reports of disengaged decompression panels found on in-service 
airplanes. We issued AD 2016-09-12 to detect and correct decompression 
panels that had disengaged from the bilge barriers located in the 
forward and aft cargo compartments. In the event of a cargo compartment 
fire, this condition would provide a path for smoke and Halon to enter 
the flight compartment and passenger cabin, which could result in the 
inability to contain and extinguish a fire.

Actions Since AD 2016-09-12 Was Issued

    The preamble to AD 2016-09-12 specifies that we consider the 
requirements ``interim action'' and that the airplane manufacturer is 
currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe 
condition. That AD explains that we might consider further rulemaking 
if a modification is developed, approved, and available. The 
manufacturer now has developed such a modification, and we have 
determined that further rulemaking is indeed necessary; this proposed 
AD follows from that determination.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB500008-00, 
Issue 001, dated December 7, 2016. The service information describes 
procedures for replacing the existing decompression panels with new 
panels and adjustable straps.
    We also reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB500009-
00, Issue 001, dated November 16, 2015. The service information 
describes procedures for repetitive inspections of the bilge barriers 
located in the forward and aft cargo compartments for disengaged 
decompression panels, and reinstalling any disengaged panels.
    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.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously. This proposed AD also 
removes airplanes from the applicability of AD 2016-09-12. Airplanes 
having line numbers 10, 16 through 19, and 499 and subsequent are 
identified in AD 2016-09-12. However, the unsafe condition was 
addressed on those airplanes in production; therefore they are not 
affected by the identified unsafe condition.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 50 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                     Labor cost          Parts cost     Cost per product        operators
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Retained inspections...........  3 work-hours x $85 per               $0  $255 per            $12,750 per
                                  hour = $255 per                          inspection cycle.   inspection cycle.
                                  inspection cycle.
New proposed modification......  7 work-hours x $85 per           11,748  12,343............  617,150
                                  hour = $595.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary reinstallation 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this 
action:

                                               On-Condition Costs
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                  Action                                Labor cost                 Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinstallation............................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85..              $0              $85
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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.
    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.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.

[[Page 25985]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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) 
2016-09-12, Amendment 39-18510 (81 FR 27300, May 6, 2016), and adding 
the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2017-0527; Directorate Identifier 
2017-NM-015-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by July 21, 
2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2016-09-12, Amendment 39-18510 (81 FR 27300, 
May 6, 2016) (``AD 2016-09-12'').

(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-SB500008-00, Issue 001, dated 
December 7, 2016.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by several reports of disengaged 
decompression panels found on in-service airplanes. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent decompression panels from disengaging from the 
bilge barriers located in the forward and aft cargo compartments. In 
the event of a cargo compartment fire, this condition would provide 
a path for smoke and Halon to enter the flight compartment and 
passenger cabin, which could result in the inability to contain and 
extinguish a fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Repetitive Inspections With Added Reference to Terminating 
Action

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2016-09-12, with an added reference to terminating action: At the 
applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, 
do a general visual inspection of the bilge barriers located in the 
forward and aft cargo compartments for disengaged decompression 
panels, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB500009-00, Issue 001, dated 
November 16, 2015. Repeat the inspection thereafter at the 
applicable times specified in paragraph 5. ``Compliance,'' of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB500009-00, Issue 001, dated 
November 16, 2015; until the terminating modification required by 
paragraph (i) of this AD is done.
    (1) For Group 1 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB500009-00, Issue 001, dated November 16, 2015: 
Inspect within 30 days after May 23, 2016 (the effective date of AD 
2016-09-12).
    (2) For Group 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB500009-00, Issue 001, dated November 16, 2015: 
Inspect within 180 flight cycles or within 90 days after May 23, 
2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-09-12), whichever occurs later.

(h) Retained Reinstallation of Decompression Panels With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2016-09-12, with no changes: If any disengaged decompression panel 
is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD; 
before further flight, reinstall the panel, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-
81205-SB500009-00, Issue 001, dated November 16, 2015.

(i) New Terminating Modification

    Within 22 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace 
the existing decompression panels of the bilge barriers located in 
the forward and aft cargo compartments with new decompression panels 
and adjustable straps, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB500008-
00, Issue 001, dated December 7, 2016; except as provided by 
paragraph (j) of this AD. Accomplishing this modification terminates 
the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Exceptions to Service Information

    (1) Where Step 3 of Task 10 of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB500008-00, Issue 001, 
dated December 7, 2016, identifies part number (P/N) C412705-577, 
the correct part number is P/N C412705-575.
    (2) Where Step 4 of Task 10 of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB500008-00, Issue 001, 
dated December 7, 2016, identifies P/N C412705-575, the correct part 
number is P/N C412705-577.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 ACO, 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 Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO, 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 2016-09-12, are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) and (h) of 
this AD.
    (5) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(k)(5)(i) and (k)(5)(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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Caspar Wang, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, 
ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6414; fax: 
425-917-6590; email: [email protected].
    (2) 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; 
telephone 562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You 
may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.


[[Page 25986]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 23, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-11258 Filed 6-5-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P