[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 197 (Friday, October 9, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64009-64014]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-22236]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0989; Product Identifier 2019-NM-097-AD; Amendment 
39-21265; AD 2020-20-09]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directives (ADs) 2015-14-
07, 2016-07-10, and 2016-24-09. AD 2015-14-07 applied to certain The 
Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. AD 2016-07-10 and AD 2016-24-09 
applied to all The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes. ADs 
2015-14-07, 2016-07-10, and 2016-24-09 required actions related to 
certain flight control module (FCM) software. This AD requires 
installing flight control electronics (FCE) common block point 5 (CBP5) 
software, which terminates the requirements of the ADs superseded by 
this AD. This AD was prompted by certain deficiencies in the FCM 
software, including a report of an unannunciated dual symmetric inboard 
slat skew. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 13, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 13, 
2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of June 
6, 2019 (84 FR 18707, May 2, 2019).
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
December 2, 2016 (81 FR 86912, December 2, 2016).
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of August 
20, 2015 (80 FR 42014, July 16, 2015).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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 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-2019-0989.

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-2019-
0989; 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maureen G. Fallon, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3690; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede the following ADs:
     AD 2015-14-07, Amendment 39-18205 (80 FR 42014, July 16, 
2015) (``AD 2015-14-07''). AD 2015-14-07 applied to certain Model 787-8 
airplanes.
     AD 2016-07-10, Amendment 39-18455 (81 FR 18741, April 1, 
2016) (``AD 2016-07-10''). AD 2016-07-10 applied to all Model 787-8 and 
787-9 airplanes.
     AD 2016-24-09, Amendment 39-18726 (81 FR 86912, December 
2, 2016) (``AD 2016-24-09''). AD 2016-24-09 applied to all Model 787-8 
and 787-9 airplanes.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 2, 2020 (85 
FR 23). The NPRM was prompted by deficiencies in the FCM software, 
including reports that, in certain weather conditions, erroneous low 
airspeed data may be displayed to the flightcrew before detection and 
annunciation via engine-indicating and crew alerting system (EICAS) 
messages, a report indicating that all three FCMs might simultaneously 
reset if continuously powered on for 22 days,

[[Page 64010]]

and one report of unannunciated dual symmetric inboard slat skew. The 
NPRM proposed to require installing FCE CBP5 software, which would also 
address the identified unsafe conditions and terminate the requirements 
of the ADs superseded by this AD. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
deficiencies in the FCM software that could prevent continued safe 
flight and landing; to prevent unrealistic, sudden drops in displayed 
airspeed at high actual airspeed, which could lead to pilot control 
inputs that could exceed the structural capability of the airplane; to 
prevent simultaneous resets of all three FCMs, which could result in 
flight control surfaces not moving in response to flight crew inputs 
for a short time and consequent temporary loss of controllability; and 
to address potential unannunciated dual symmetric inboard slat skew, 
which can result in adverse handling characteristics of the aircraft.

Changes Since the NPRM Was Issued

    The FAA has reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB270044-00 RB, Issue 002, dated July 7, 2020 (the FAA referred to 
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB270044-00 RB, Issue 
001, dated December 18, 2018, as an appropriate source of service 
information for accomplishing the actions specified in the NPRM) and 
has revised this AD to refer to Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB270044-00 RB, Issue 002, dated July 7, 2020. This service 
information removes a certain airplane line number from the 
effectivity; otherwise, there is no substantive change from Issue 001, 
dated December 18, 2018. The FAA has added paragraph (p) to this AD to 
provide credit for actions done prior to the effective date of this AD 
using Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB270044-00 RB, 
Issue 001, dated December 18, 2018. Subsequent paragraphs have been 
redesignated accordingly.

Explanation of Concurrent Requirements

    This AD requires the accomplishment of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB270039-00, Issue 002, dated March 8, 2018, prior 
to or concurrently with the software installation specified in 
paragraph (n)(1) of this AD. AD 2019-08-05, Amendment 39-19626 (84 FR 
18707, May 2, 2019) (``AD 2019-08-05'') also requires the 
accomplishment of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270039-00, 
Issue 002, dated March 8, 2018, prior to or concurrently with the 
installation of hydraulic tubing and a pressure-operated check valve, 
which corrects a different unsafe condition; so the concurrent 
requirement is in both ADs. The compliance time for this AD is shorter 
than the compliance time for AD 2019-08-05.

Explanation of Changes to Paragraphs (n) and (o) of This AD

    The FAA revised paragraph (n)(3) of this AD and removed paragraph 
(n)(4) of this AD. This revision clarifies the compliance time for 
installation of a new displays and crew alerting (DCA) system and 
maintenance system (MS) software, clarifies ``later-approved version'' 
in regard to DCA MS software, and clarifies that this action applies 
only to certain airplanes. The FAA also revised the introductory text 
to paragraph (n) of this AD to clarify the applicable actions.
    The FAA also revised paragraphs (o)(1) and (2) of this AD which 
clarify ``later-approved version'' in regard to CBP5 and DCA MS CBP4 
software.

Explanation of Changes to Paragraph (q)(3) of This AD

    The FAA revised paragraph (q)(3) of this AD to clarify the 
terminating action. The intent of paragraph (q)(3) of this AD is to 
require the removal of figure 1 to paragraph (k) of this AD after the 
actions required by paragraph (n) or (o) of this AD have been 
accomplished on all affected airplanes in an operator's fleet. 
Accomplishment of these actions then terminates paragraph (k) of this 
AD for all affected airplanes in an operator's fleet.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) stated its 
support for the NPRM. United Airlines indicated no objection to the 
NPRM.

Request To Clarify What Prompted the Unsafe Condition

    Boeing asked that a clarification of the number of occurrences of 
unannunciated dual symmetric inboard slat skew events be added to the 
relevant sections in the proposed AD. Boeing stated that there has only 
been a single unannunciated dual symmetric inboard slat skew event.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter's request for clarification, 
because there has only been one occurrence of an unannunciated dual 
symmetric inboard slat skew. The FAA has revised the SUMMARY, 
Discussion section, and paragraph (e) of this AD accordingly. However, 
the section titled ``Actions Since ADs 2015-14-07, 2016-07-10, and 
2016-24-09 Were Issued,'' which was included in the proposed AD, is not 
carried over in this final rule.
    Boeing also asked that the FAA differentiate the number of 
occurrences of unannunciated dual symmetric inboard slat skew from the 
outboard slat skew issue, which is the subject of AD 2019-20-07. Boeing 
noted that the potential for unannunciated dual symmetric inboard slat 
skew, addressed by this AD, is not related to the outboard slat skew 
issue that is the subject of that AD.
    Although the FAA agrees that the issues are not related, that 
clarification is not required in the content of this AD. Therefore, the 
FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Allow Installation of Later-Approved Software Versions

    Boeing asked that the FAA allow installation of later-approved FCE 
software in lieu of the ``FCM CBP5'' software identified in Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB270044-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
December 18, 2018. Boeing stated that the use of ``later-approved 
software'' language was used in AD 2019-08-05, Amendment 39-19626 (84 
FR 18707, May 2, 2019) (``AD 2019-08-05'') (referenced in the proposed 
AD), and will reduce the need for alternative method of compliance 
(AMOC) requests for future FCM software updates.
    The FAA disagrees with the commenter's request because the Actions 
Required for Compliance section in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB270044-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 18, 2018, already 
includes an allowance for installation of a later-approved software 
part number. Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB270044-00 
RB, Issue 002, dated July 7, 2020, also includes that allowance. 
Therefore, the FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Identify Certain Required for Compliance (`RC') Actions

    Boeing asked that the FAA revise paragraph (n)(2) of the proposed 
AD to specify accomplishment of only the concurrent or prior actions 
identified as RC in the service bulletin. Boeing stated that 
installation of the ``CMCF LDI DB'' [central maintenance computer 
function (CMCF) loadable diagnostic information (LDI) database (DB)] 
software is not required to correct the unsafe condition.

[[Page 64011]]

Boeing added that AD 2019-08-05 specifies the applicable service 
bulletin actions identified as RC.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter's request, because installation 
of the CMCF LDI DB software is not required to correct the unsafe 
condition. If that software were cited in the requirements of this AD, 
any update to this software would require approval of an AMOC. The FAA 
has changed paragraph (n)(2) of this AD to specify doing only the 
applicable actions (including software installation) that are 
identified as RC.

Request To Clarify Intent of AD

    Boeing asked that the FAA change paragraph (e) of the proposed AD 
to clarify that the AD is also prompted by the need to provide 
terminating action for the three ADs that are superseded by this AD. 
Boeing stated that this change clarifies the intent of the AD.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter's request to change the text in 
paragraph (e) of this AD. The FAA agrees that this AD is terminating 
action for the interim actions identified in two of the superseded ADs: 
2016-07-10 and 2016-24-09. The superseding of those prior ADs implies 
that this AD mitigates the unsafe condition of those prior ADs. This AD 
was prompted by reports of an identified unsafe condition that this AD 
is intended to correct. The FAA has revised the SUMMARY, Discussion 
section, and paragraph (e) of this AD to include the unsafe conditions 
that prompted the superseded ADs, since this AD also addresses those 
unsafe conditions.

Request To Include Credit for Previously Accomplished Actions

    American Airlines (AA) asked for the addition of credit for 
previous software installations done using the following service 
information.
     Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270039-00, 
Issue 001, dated July 31, 2017.
     Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270039-00, 
Issue 001, dated July 31, 2017, in conjunction with Boeing Information 
Notice B787-A-27-00-0039-01A-931E-D, Issue 001, dated September 7, 
2017.
    AA stated that equivalent credit was granted in paragraphs (i)(3) 
and (4) of AD 2019-08-05 (which the FAA notes also requires the 
concurrent installation of certain software in accordance with Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270039-00, Issue 002, dated March 
8, 2018), although AD 2019-08-05 is unrelated to the NPRM.
    The FAA does not agree with the commenter's request. The latest 
version of the CMCF software specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB270039-00, Issue 002, dated March 8, 2018, must be 
installed concurrently with the FCE CBP5 software in order for the 
maintenance system to work properly. Therefore, the FAA has not changed 
this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this AD with the changes described previously, and 
minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor 
changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB270044-00 RB, Issue 002, dated July 7, 2020. This service information 
describes procedures for installing FCE CBP5 software, and applicable 
concurrent requirements (installing certain software).
    The FAA also reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB310014, Issue 002, dated June 14, 2017. This service information 
describes procedures for installing new DCA system and MS software and 
doing a software check.
    This AD also requires Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB270039-00, Issue 002, dated March 8, 2018, which the Director of the 
Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of June 6, 
2019 (84 FR 18707, May 2, 2019).
    This AD also requires Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB270040-00, Issue 001, dated November 25, 2016, which the Director of 
the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of 
December 2, 2016 (81 FR 86912, December 2, 2016).
    This AD also requires the following service information, which the 
Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by 
reference as of August 20, 2015 (80 FR 42014, July 16, 2015).
     Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270017-00, 
Issue 001, dated September 18, 2013.
     Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270020-00, 
Issue 002, dated February 12, 2015.
     Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270023-00, Issue 001, 
dated July 24, 2014.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 78 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The compliance time has passed for the retained requirements in 
this AD, so all affected airplanes should already be in compliance with 
those requirements. Therefore, this AD imposes no additional financial 
burden on any U.S. operator.
    However, if a noncompliant airplane is imported and placed on the 
U.S. Register in the future, the FAA estimates the following costs to 
comply with the retained actions:

                                    Estimated Costs for Retained Requirements
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained requirements of AD 2015-14[dash]07     4 work-hours x $85 per hour =                 $0            $340
 (11 airplanes).                                 $340.
Retained requirements of AD 2016-07-10........  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85               0              85
Retained requirements of AD 2016-24-09........  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85               0              85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 64012]]

    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with the new 
requirements in this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for New Requirements
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New software installation.............  2 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $170         $13,260
                                         hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 has determined that 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.

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-14-07, Amendment 39-18205 
(80 FR 42014, July 16, 2015); AD 2016-07-10, Amendment 39-18455 (81 FR 
18741, April 1, 2016); and AD 2016-24-09, Amendment 39-18726 (81 FR 
86912, December 2, 2016); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2020-20-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21265; Docket No. FAA-
2019-0989; Product Identifier 2019-NM-097-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 13, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces the ADs identified in paragraphs (b)(1) through 
(3) of this AD.
    (1) AD 2015-14-07, Amendment 39-18205 (80 FR 42014, July 16, 
2015) (``AD 2015-14-07'').
    (2) AD 2016-07-10, Amendment 39-18455 (81 FR 18741, April 1, 
2016) (``AD 2016-07-10'').
    (3) AD 2016-24-09, Amendment 39-18726 (81 FR 86912, December 2, 
2016) (``AD 2016-24-09'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 
airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
Controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by deficiencies in the FCM software, 
including reports that, in certain weather conditions, erroneous low 
airspeed data may be displayed to the flightcrew before detection 
and annunciation via engine-indicating and crew alerting system 
(EICAS) messages, a report indicating that all three FCMs might 
simultaneously reset if continuously powered on for 22 days, and one 
report of unannunciated dual symmetric inboard slat skew. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address deficiencies in the FCM software that 
could prevent continued safe flight and landing; to prevent 
unrealistic, sudden drops in displayed airspeed at high actual 
airspeed, which could lead to pilot control inputs that could exceed 
the structural capability of the airplane; to prevent simultaneous 
resets of all three FCMs, which could result in flight control 
surfaces not moving in response to flight crew inputs for a short 
time and consequent temporary loss of controllability; and to 
address potential unannunciated dual symmetric inboard slat skew, 
which can result in adverse handling characteristics of the 
aircraft.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained FCM Software Installation Requirement of AD 2015-14-07, 
With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of the introductory 
text to paragraph (g) and paragraphs (g)(1), (2), and (4) of AD 
2015-14-07 (paragraph (g)(3) of AD 2015-14-07 is not retained in 
this AD), with no changes. For Model 787-8 airplanes identified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270020-00, Issue 002, 
dated February 12, 2015: Within 6 months after August 20, 2015 (the 
effective date of AD 2015-14-07), do one of the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD.
    (1) Use the onboard data load function (ODLF) to install FCM 
Block Point 3 software (including FCM operational program software 
(OPS), FCM loadable diagnostic information (LDI) database (DB) 
software, and FCM air data reference function (ADRF) DB software), 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270020-00, Issue 002, dated February 
12, 2015.
    (2) Use the ODLF to install FCM Block Point 4 software 
(including FCM OPS, FCM LDI DB software, FCM ADRF DB software, and 
central maintenance computer function (CMCF) LDI DB software), in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB270023-00, Issue 001, dated July 24, 2014.
    (3) Install any later FAA-approved FCM software version using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (s) of this AD.

(h) Retained Concurrent Requirements of AD 2015-14-07, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2015-14-07, with no changes. For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-

[[Page 64013]]

81205-SB270020-00, Issue 002, dated February 12, 2015: Prior to or 
concurrently with accomplishing the actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, use the ODLF to install FCM OPS, FCM LDI DB, and 
CMCF LDI DB software, or at a minimum install the FCM LDI DB and 
CMCF LDI DB software, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270017-
00, Issue 001, dated September 18, 2013.

(i) Retained Parts Installation Prohibition of AD 2015-14-07, With No 
Changes

    This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (i) of AD 
2015-14-07, with no changes. After installation of the software 
specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, no person may 
install any previous versions of the FCM OPS, FCM LDI DB, FCM ADRF 
DB, or CMCF LDI DB software on any airplane.

(j) Retained Credit for Certain Previous Actions in AD 2015-14-07, With 
No Changes

    This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (j) of AD 
2015-14-07, with no changes. This paragraph provides credit for the 
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before August 20, 2015 (the effective date of AD 2015-14-
07), using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270020-00, 
Issue 001, dated February 6, 2014.

(k) Retained Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision of AD 2016-07-10, 
With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2016-07-10, with no changes. Within 15 days after April 14, 2016 
(the effective date of AD 2016-07-10), revise the applicable 
existing Boeing 787 AFM to add a ``Non-normal Procedure'' that 
includes the information in figure 1 to paragraph (k) of this AD. 
This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the existing 
AFM.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09OC20.000

(l) Retained FCM Reset Requirement of AD 2016-24-09, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2016-24-09, with no changes. Within 7 days after December 2, 2016 
(the effective date of AD 2016-24-09), do the actions specified in 
paragraph (l)(1) or (2) of this AD. Repeat the action specified in 
paragraph (l)(1) or (2) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 21 days.
    (1) Cycle the airplane electrical power, in accordance with 
``Option 1'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270040-00, Issue 001, dated November 
25, 2016.
    (2) Cycle power to the left, center, and right FCMs, in 
accordance with ``Option 2'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270040-00, Issue 001, 
dated November 25, 2016.

(m) Retained Credit for Previous Actions in AD 2016-24-09, With No 
Changes

    This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (h) of AD 
2016-24-09, with no changes. This paragraph provides credit for the 
actions specified in paragraphs (l)(1) and (2) of this AD, if those 
actions were performed before December 2, 2016 (the effective date 
of AD 2016-24-09), using one of the service information documents 
specified in paragraphs (m)(1) through (3) of this AD.
    (1) Boeing Multi-Operator Message MOM-MOM-16-0711-01B, dated 
October 21, 2016.
    (2) Boeing Multi-Operator Message MOM-MOM-16-0711-01B(R1), dated 
November 17, 2016.
    (3) Boeing Multi-Operator Message MOM-MOM-16-0711-01B(R2), dated 
November 17, 2016.

(n) New Requirement for Software Installation

    For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB270044-00 RB, Issue 002, dated July 7, 2020: Do the 
actions specified in paragraphs (n)(1) through (3) of this AD.
    (1) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Do all 
applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB270044-00 RB, Issue 002, dated July 7, 2020.

    Note 1 to paragraphs (n)(1) and (o)(1):  Guidance for 
accomplishing the actions required by paragraphs (n)(1) and (o)(1) 
of this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB270044-00, Issue 003, dated July 7, 2020, which is referred to in 
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB270044-00 RB, Issue 
002, dated July 7, 2020.

    (2) Before or concurrently with accomplishment of the actions 
specified in paragraph (n)(1) of this AD: Do all applicable actions 
(including software installation on the left and right flight 
control modules (FCMs)) identified as RC in and, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB270039-00, Issue 002, dated March 8, 2018.

    Note 2 to paragraph (n)(2):  The concurrent requirements 
specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this AD are also concurrent 
requirements for the actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of AD 
2019-08-05, Amendment 39-19626 (84 FR 18707, May 2, 2019) (``AD 
2019-08-05'').

    (3) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, 
identify the version of the displays and crew alerting (DCA) system 
and maintenance system (MS) software installed. If the installed 
version is not DCA MS CBP4 or a later-approved version of DCA MS 
software, within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, 
install a new DCA system and MS software and do a software check, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB310014, Issue 002, dated June 14, 
2017. Later-approved software versions are only those Boeing 
software versions that are approved as a replacement for the 
applicable software, and are approved as part of the type design by 
the FAA or The Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization 
(ODA) after issuance of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB310014, Issue 002, dated June 14, 2017.

(o) Software Version Identification

    For airplanes not identified in Boeing Alert Requirements 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB270044-00 RB, Issue 002, dated July 7, 2020, 
that have an original airworthiness certificate or original export 
certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the effective date 
of this AD: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do 
the actions specified in paragraphs (o)(1) and (2) of this AD.
    (1) Identify the version of the flight control electronics (FCE) 
common block point (CBP) software installed. If the installed 
version is not CBP5 or later-approved version: Within 6 months after 
the effective date of this AD, install CBP5 or later-approved 
version, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB270044-00 RB, Issue 
002, dated July 7, 2020. Later-approved software versions are only 
those Boeing software versions that are approved as a replacement 
for the applicable software, and are approved as part of the type 
design by the FAA or The Boeing Company ODA after

[[Page 64014]]

issuance of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB270044-
00 RB, Issue 002, dated July 7, 2020. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this identification 
requirement, if the software version can be conclusively determined 
from that review.
    (2) Identify the version of the DCA system and MS software 
installed. If the installed version is not DCA MS CBP4 or a later-
approved version of DCA MS software: Within 6 months after the 
effective date of this AD, install a new DCA system and MS software 
and do a software check, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB310014, 
Issue 002, dated June 14, 2017. Later-approved software versions are 
only those Boeing software versions that are approved as a 
replacement for the applicable software, and are approved as part of 
the type design by the FAA or The Boeing Company ODA after issuance 
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB310014, Issue 002, 
dated June 14, 2017.

(p) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions specified in 
paragraphs (n)(1) and (o)(1) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB270044-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
December 18, 2018.

(q) Terminating Action for Certain Requirements of This AD

    (1) Except as specified in paragraph (q)(2) of this AD: 
Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (n) or (o) of 
this AD, as applicable, terminates the requirements of paragraphs 
(g) through (m) of this AD.
    (2) Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (n) or 
(o) of this AD, as applicable, terminates the requirements of 
paragraph (k) of this AD for that airplane only.
    (3) Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (n) or 
(o) of this AD, as applicable, on all affected airplanes in an 
operator's fleet, and subsequent removal of figure 1 to paragraph 
(k) of this AD from the existing AFM, terminates the requirements of 
paragraph (k) of this AD for the fleet. The removal must be done no 
later than 6 months after the effective date of this AD.

(r) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, installation on any 
airplane of FCE CBP software with a version prior to CBP5 is 
prohibited.

(s) 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 (t)(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 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.
    (4) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2015-14-07, AD 2016-07-10, 
and AD 2016-24-09, are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding 
provisions of paragraphs (g) through (l) of this AD.

(t) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Maureen G. 
Fallon, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, 
Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
phone and fax: 206-231-3690; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (u)(7) and (8) of this AD.

(u) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
November 13, 2020.
    (i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB270044-00 
RB, Issue 002, dated July 7, 2020.
    (ii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB310014, Issue 
002, dated June 14, 2017.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
June 6, 2019 (84 FR 18707, May 2, 2019).
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270039-00, Issue 
002, dated March 8, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
December 2, 2016 (81 FR 86912, December 2, 2016).
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270040-00, Issue 
001, dated November 25, 2016.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (6) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
August 20, 2015 (80 FR 42014, July 16, 2015).
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270017-00, Issue 
001, dated September 18, 2013.
    (ii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270020-00, Issue 
002, dated February 12, 2015.
    (iii) Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270023-00, Issue 001, 
dated July 24, 2014.
    (7) 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.
    (8) You may view this 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.
    (9) 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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on September 23, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-22236 Filed 10-8-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P