[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 171 (Wednesday, September 4, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46432-46434]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-19013]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0608; Product Identifier 2019-NM-084-AD; Amendment
39-19713; AD 2019-16-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting an airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. This AD requires a
one-time inspection of the horizontal stabilizer pivot pin assemblies
for misalignment and incorrect gapping, and applicable on-condition
actions. This AD was prompted by a report of possible misalignment of
the horizontal stabilizer pivot pin lock ring, outer pivot pin, and
outboard spacer at final assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 19, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
19, 2019.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by October 21, 2019.
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 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, 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 http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0608.
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-2019-
0608; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Rutar, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3529; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA has received a report indicating possible misalignment of
the horizontal stabilizer pivot pin lock ring, outer pivot pin, and
outboard spacer at final assembly. One operator reported a left side
pivot pin assembly that did not have a visible gap between the outboard
nut and trap fitting. The pivot pin outboard spacer was not set
correctly flush against the horizontal stabilizer pivot bearing and
outboard washer due to a misaligned pivot pin lock ring. It was
determined that only certain airplanes were possibly delivered with
this condition. This condition, if not addressed, could result in
decreased lateral load capacity, the loss of pivot pin retention parts,
and consequent loss of the horizontal stabilizer and loss of control of
the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB550009-00 RB, Issue 001, dated April 2, 2019. This service
information describes procedures for a one-time detailed inspection of
the horizontal stabilizer pivot pin assemblies for misalignment and
incorrect gapping, and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition
actions include replacing any incorrectly installed horizontal
stabilizer pivot pin assembly. This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties have access to it through
their normal
[[Page 46433]]
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing 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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires accomplishment of the actions identified in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550009-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
April 2, 2019, described previously, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.
For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this
service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0608.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
There are currently no domestic operators of this product.
Therefore, the FAA finds that notice and opportunity for prior public
comment are unnecessary and that good cause exists for making this
amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment. However, the FAA invites you to send any written data, views,
or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2019-
0608 and Product Identifier 2019-NM-084-AD at the beginning of your
comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final
rule. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide.
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this final rule.
Costs of Compliance
Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. If an
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the
future, the FAA provides the following cost estimates to comply with
this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.................................... 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 $170
$170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement............................. 12 work-hours x $85 per Negligible................ $1,020
hour = $1,020.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known 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.
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.
This 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 and
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.
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.
[[Page 46434]]
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2019-16-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19713; Docket No. FAA-
2019-0608; Product Identifier 2019-NM-084-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective September 19, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550009-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
April 2, 2019.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of possible misalignment of the
horizontal stabilizer pivot pin lock ring, outer pivot pin, and
outboard spacer at final assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address incorrect installation of the horizontal stabilizer pivot
pin assemblies, which could result in decreased lateral load
capacity, the loss of pivot pin retention parts, and consequent loss
of the horizontal stabilizer and loss of control of the airplane.
(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-SB550009-00 RB, Issue 001,
dated April 2, 2019, do all applicable actions identified in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550009-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
April 2, 2019.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
B787-81205-SB550009-00, dated April 2, 2019, which is referred to in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550009-00 RB, Issue
001, dated April 2, 2019.
(h) Exception to Service Information Specifications
For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of
this AD: Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB550009-00 RB, Issue 001, dated April 2, 2019, uses the phrase
``the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550009-00
RB,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(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.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Greg Rutar,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3529;
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 Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550009-00
RB, Issue 001, dated April 2, 2019.
(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, Transport
Standards 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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on August 16, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-19013 Filed 9-3-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P