[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 28 (Friday, February 9, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5741-5743]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-02199]



[[Page 5741]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0027; Product Identifier 2017-NM-118-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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
The Boeing Company Model 787 series airplanes. This proposed AD was 
prompted by reports that, under certain conditions, the automatic 
dependent surveillance--broadcast (ADS-B) out function and air traffic 
control/traffic alert and collision avoidance system (ATC/TCAS) 
functions can transmit incorrect data. This proposed AD would require 
an inspection or records review to determine if certain software is 
installed, the installation of new software for the integrated 
surveillance system (ISS) operational program software (OPS) if 
necessary, a software check, and applicable on-condition actions. For 
certain airplanes, this proposed AD would also require the installation 
of new software for the ISS OPS and the displays and crew alerting 
(DCA) database. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 26, 2018.

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 90740-5600; 
telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may 
view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 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-2018-0027.

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-2018-
0027; 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 NPRM, 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: Nelson O. Sanchez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6489; 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 proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0027; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-118-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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

    We have received reports indicating that the ADS-B out function and 
ATC/TCAS functions can transmit incorrect position and pressure 
altitude information in the data that is used by ATC to coordinate 
aircraft separation. Under certain conditions, the ADS-B out function 
has been shown to transmit non-current aircraft data (including 
latitude, longitude, and pressure altitude) based on coasting from a 
previous global positioning system (GPS) position. In addition, the 
ATC/TCAS functions can transmit non-current pressure altitude 
information on both mode C and mode S transmissions based on coasting 
from a previous pressure altitude. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in potential mid-air collisions.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB340036-00, 
Issue 001, dated June 30, 2017. This service information describes 
procedures for the installation of new software for the ISS OPS (which 
includes main input/output (IO) software and traffic transponder (XPDR) 
airborne collision avoidance system (ACAS) software), a software check, 
and applicable on-condition actions.
    We also reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB340005-00, 
Issue 002, dated April 27, 2016. This service information describes 
procedures for the installation of new software for the ISS OPS and for 
the DCA database.
    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 these same type 
designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, for certain airplanes, an 
inspection or records review to determine if certain software is 
installed, and if necessary, accomplishment of the actions identified 
as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB340036-00, Issue 001, 
dated June 30, 2017, described previously, except for any differences 
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
    This proposed AD would also require, for certain airplanes, 
accomplishing the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin B787-
81205-SB340005-00, Issue 002, dated April 27, 2016, described 
previously.
    For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this 
service information at http://

[[Page 5742]]

www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0027.

Differences Between Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The effectivity of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB340036-00, Issue 001, dated June 30, 2017, and Boeing Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB340005-00, Issue 002, dated April 27, 2016, is 
limited to Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes with certain line numbers. 
However, the applicability of this proposed AD includes all Boeing 
Model 787 series airplanes, because the affected software part numbers, 
identified in paragraph (j) of this proposed AD, are rotable parts. We 
have determined that these part numbers could later be installed on 
airplanes that were initially delivered with acceptable software, 
thereby subjecting those airplanes to the unsafe condition.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 136 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that 115 airplanes will require installation 
and check of new software, and 54 airplanes will require the concurrent 
installation of other software. We estimate the following costs to 
comply with this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Records Review/Inspection (136       1 work-hour x $85 per hour               $0             $85         $11,560
 airplanes).                          = $85.
Installation and Check (115          4 work-hours x $85 per hour               0             340          39,100
 airplanes).                          = $340.
Concurrent Installation (54          1 work-hour x $85 per hour                0              85           4,590
 airplanes).                          = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition 
actions that would be required. We have no way of determining the 
number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Parts   Cost  per
                     Labor cost                         cost     product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340..................      $0       $340
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all available costs in our 
cost estimate.

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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We 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 this 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.

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2018-0027; Product Identifier 
2017-NM-118-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 26, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 787 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that, under certain conditions, 
the automatic dependent surveillance--broadcast (ADS-B) out and air 
traffic control (ATC)/traffic alert and collision avoidance system 
(TCAS) functions can transmit incorrect position and pressure 
altitude information in the data that is used by ATC to coordinate 
aircraft separation. We are issuing this AD to prevent the 
transmission of incorrect position and pressure altitude data, which 
could result in potential mid-air collisions.

[[Page 5743]]

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection or Records Review

    For airplanes that have an original certificate of airworthiness 
or export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the 
effective date of this AD: Within 12 months after the effective date 
of this AD, inspect to determine if integrated surveillance system 
(ISS) operational program software (OPS) part number COL40-0010-0100 
or COL46-0007-0100 is installed. A review of airplane maintenance 
records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number 
of the software can be conclusively determined from that review.

(h) Required Actions

    If, during any inspection or records review required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, any ISS OPS part number COL40-0010-0100 or 
COL46-0007-0100 is found: Within 12 months after the effective date 
of this AD, do all applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required 
for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB340036-
00, Issue 001, dated June 30, 2017.

(i) Additional Actions for Group 1 Airplanes

    For Group 1 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB340036-00, Issue 001, dated June 30, 2017: 
Prior to accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (h) of 
this AD, install new software for the ISS OPS and the displays and 
crew alerting (DCA) database, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB340005-00, 
Issue 002, dated April 27, 2016.

(j) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install ISS 
OPS part number COL40-0010-0100 or COL46-0007-0100 on any airplane, 
except in accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (i) of 
this AD.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB340005-00, Issue 001, dated December 11, 2015.

(l) 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 (m)(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 Branch, 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) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as RC, the provisions of paragraphs (l)(4)(i) and (l)(4)(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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Nelson O. 
Sanchez, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, 
Seattle ACO Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
phone: 425-917-6489; 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-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue 
SW, Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 25, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-02199 Filed 2-8-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P