[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 116 (Tuesday, June 16, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36352-36355]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-12869]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0465; Product Identifier 2020-NM-074-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: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes powered 
by Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines. This proposed AD was prompted by 
reports

[[Page 36353]]

of damage to the inner fixed structure (IFS) forward upper fire seal 
and damage to thermal insulation blankets in the forward upper area of 
the thrust reverser (TR). This proposed AD would require repetitive 
inspections of the IFS forward upper fire seal and thermal insulation 
blankets in the forward upper area of the TR for damage and applicable 
on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 31, 
2020.

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 https://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, 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 on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0465.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0465; 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 NPRM, 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: Tak Kobayashi, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA; phone: 206-231-3553; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites 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-2020-0465; 
Product Identifier 2020-NM-074-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. 
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The FAA has received reports of damage to the IFS forward upper 
fire seal and damage to thermal insulation blankets in the forward 
upper area of the TR. Investigation revealed that structural gapping 
could occur at the interface between the leading edge of the IFS and 
the engine splitter structure during flight. This gapping condition 
exposes the IFS forward upper fire seal to excessive airflow pressure 
and also allows airflow to pass between the engine splitter structure 
and the IFS forward upper fire seal, resulting in damage to the IFS 
forward upper fire seal and thermal blanket. Failure of the IFS forward 
upper fire seal could cause the loss of seal pressurization and degrade 
the ability to detect and extinguish an engine fire, resulting in an 
uncontrolled fire. Damage to the TR insulation blanket could result in 
thermal damage to the TR inner wall, the subsequent release of engine 
exhaust components, and consequent damage to critical areas of the 
airplane.

Relationship Between This Proposed AD and AD 2018-15-03

    This proposed AD does not supersede or terminate any requirement of 
AD 2018-15-03, Amendment 39-19335 (83 FR 34753, July 23, 2018) (``AD 
2018-15-03''). AD 2018-15-03 requires an inspection to determine the 
part number of the IFS forward upper fire seals, and applicable on-
condition actions. The on-condition actions include replacement of any 
IFS forward upper fire seal having part number (P/N) 725Z3171-127 or P/
N 725Z3171-128 with a fire seal having P/N 725Z3171-151 or P/N 
725Z3171-152, as applicable. After any IFS forward upper fire seal 
replacement, AD 2018-15-03 requires updating the part number of the 
thrust reverser half (two thrust reverser halves per engine). AD 2018-
15-03 also prohibits the installation of IFS forward upper fire seals 
having P/N 725Z3171-127 or P/N 725Z3171-128, as of August 27, 2018 (the 
effective date of AD 2018-15-03).
    This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the IFS 
forward upper fire seal and thermal insulation blankets in the forward 
upper area of the TR for damage, and applicable on-condition actions. 
During the inspections specified in this proposed AD, if damage is 
found on any IFS forward upper fire seal, and that fire seal has P/N 
725Z3171-127 or P/N 725Z3171-128, that damaged fire seal must be 
replaced with a fire seal having P/N 725Z3171-151 or P/N 725Z3171-152, 
as applicable. After the IFS forward upper fire seal replacement, 
operators may update the part number of the thrust reverser half to get 
credit for compliance with the requirements of AD 2018-15-03, provided 
that action is accomplished within the compliance time of AD 2018-15-
03, which is 36 months after August 27, 2018 (the effective date of AD 
2018-15-03).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020. The service 
information describes procedures for repetitive inspections of the IFS 
forward upper fire seal and thermal insulation blankets of the TR for 
damage and applicable on-condition actions. Damage to a forward upper 
fire seal includes cuts, splits, nicks, punctures, and missing 
sections. Damage to an upper thermal blanket includes tears, cuts, 
missing metal skin, missing insulation, and over-temperature conditions 
shown by discoloration or scorching. The on-condition actions include 
replacing any damaged forward upper fire seal with a new fire seal 
having an appropriate part number, and replacing any damaged forward 
upper thermal blanket with a new thermal blanket.
    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.

[[Page 36354]]

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is proposing this AD because the agency 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 accomplishment of the actions 
identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 
RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020, described previously, except as 
discussed under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service 
Information,'' and except for any differences identified as exceptions 
in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
    For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this 
service information at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0465.

Explanation of Requirements Bulletin

    The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the 
Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee 
(AD ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement is a process for 
annotating which steps in the service information are ``required for 
compliance'' (RC) with an AD. Boeing has implemented this RC concept 
into Boeing service bulletins.
    In an effort to further improve the quality of ADs and AD-related 
Boeing service information, a joint process improvement initiative was 
worked between the FAA and Boeing. The initiative resulted in the 
development of a new process in which the service information more 
clearly identifies the actions needed to address the unsafe condition 
in the ``Accomplishment Instructions.'' The new process results in a 
Boeing Requirements Bulletin, which contains only the actions needed to 
address the unsafe condition (i.e., only the RC actions).

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00, Issue 001, 
dated March 31, 2020, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020, 
specifies 0.5 task hours for replacing the fire seal and 0.5 task hours 
for replacing the thermal blanket. Boeing notified the FAA that these 
estimates are not accurate and the correct estimated task hours are 2 
work-hours per TR half for replacing the fire seal and 1 work-hour per 
TR half for replacing the thermal blanket. The Costs of Compliance 
section in this proposed AD reflects the corrected estimated costs.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this proposed AD interim action. If final action 
is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking at that 
time.

Costs of Compliance

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

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                                  Cost on U.S.
             Action                     Labor cost           Parts cost     Cost per product       operators
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Inspection.....................  4 work-hours x $85 per               $0   $340 per            $4,760 per
                                  hour = $340 per                           inspection cycle.   inspection cycle
                                  inspection cycle.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required. The FAA has no way of 
determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition 
actions:

                                     Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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              Action                       Labor cost                Parts cost             Cost per product
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Fire seal replacement............  2 work-hours x $85 per     $1,365 per TR half......  $1,535 per TR half (4 TR
                                    hour = $170 per TR half.                             halves per airplane)
Thermal blanket replacement......  1 work-hour x $85 per      $17,855 per TR half.....  $17,940 per TR half (4
                                    hour = $85 per TR half.                              TR halves per airplane)
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    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this 
proposed AD may be covered under warranty by Goodrich, thereby reducing 
the cost impact on affected operators. 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.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA 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:

[[Page 36355]]

    (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 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-2020-0465; Product Identifier 
2020-NM-074-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by July 31, 2020.

(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, powered by Rolls 
Royce Trent 1000 engines.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78, Engine 
Exhaust System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of damage to the inner fixed 
structure (IFS) forward upper fire seal and damage to thermal 
insulation blankets in the forward upper area of the thrust reverser 
(TR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the damage to the IFS 
forward upper fire seal and the thermal insulation blankets of the 
TR due to airflow through structural gapping that could occur at the 
interface between the leading edge of the IFS and the engine 
splitter structure during flight. Failure of the IFS forward upper 
fire seal could cause the loss of seal pressurization and degrade 
the ability to detect and extinguish an engine fire, resulting in an 
uncontrolled fire. Damage to the TR insulation blanket could result 
in thermal damage to the TR inner wall, the subsequent release of 
engine exhaust components, and consequent damage to critical areas 
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-SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, 
dated March 31, 2020, do all applicable actions identified in, and 
in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
March 31, 2020.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions 
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB780041-00, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020, which is 
referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 
RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020, uses the phrase ``the Issue 001 
date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 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)(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 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

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Tak Kobayashi, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA; phone: 206-231-3553; 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, 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.

    Issued on June 3, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-12869 Filed 6-15-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P