[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 11, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1349-1352]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-00038]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0571; Project Identifier AD-2021-00101-T; 
Amendment 39-21835; AD 2021-24-14]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. 
This AD was prompted by reports of damage to the thrust reverser (TR) 
translating sleeve secondary sliders due to contact between the slider 
and the slider track liner. This damage could reduce the fatigue life 
of the slider below its full design life for the TRs installed on 
certain engines. This AD requires determining the serial number of the 
TR and performing applicable on-condition actions; or replacing the TR 
with a serviceable TR. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 15, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 15, 
2022.

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 at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0571.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0571; 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: Tak Kobayashi, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3553; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing 
Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on August 9, 2021 (86 FR 43443). The NPRM was 
prompted by reports of damage to the TR translating sleeve secondary 
sliders due to contact between the slider and the slider track liner. 
This damage was found on TR sleeves installed only on certain engines. 
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require determining the serial number 
of the TR and performing applicable on-condition actions; or replacing 
the TR with a serviceable TR. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
this damage, which could result in failure of the TR translating sleeve 
secondary slider and possible detachment of the outer cowl, which could 
strike the fuselage, causing damage to the airplane, and could result

[[Page 1350]]

in reduced control or performance of the airplane.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.
    The FAA received additional comments from one commenter, Boeing. 
The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to each comment.

Request To Clarify Unsafe Condition

    The Background section of the NPRM and paragraph (e) of the 
proposed AD stated that damage was found on TR sleeves installed only 
on certain engines. Boeing requested that the FAA clarify the 
description of the unsafe condition to state that this damage can 
result in an unsafe condition on TR sleeves installed on certain 
engines. Boeing added that, although this damage (gouging and grooving) 
is possible on pre- and post-mission improvement TRs installed on 
General Electric and Rolls-Royce engines, it was determined by the 
Boeing safety process that the damage could result in an unsafe 
condition only for the mission improvement TRs on Rolls-Royce engines.
    The FAA agrees with Boeing's assertions, but disagrees with the 
proposed wording because it does not explain why the TRs installed on 
certain other engines are not affected by this safety issue. To clarify 
the description of the unsafe condition, the FAA has revised the 
SUMMARY and paragraph (e) of this AD to indicate that damage to the TR 
translating sleeve secondary sliders could reduce the fatigue life of 
the slider below its full design life for the TRs installed on certain 
engines.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Except for minor editorial changes, and any other changes 
described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None 
of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB780043-00 RB, Issue 001, dated January 15, 2021. This service 
information specifies procedures for determining the serial number of 
the TR, and applicable on-condition actions; or replacing the TR with a 
serviceable TR. On-condition actions include reworking affected TR 
slider track liners; determining the serial number of the TR 
translating sleeves; checking to determine if certain TR translating 
sleeves have been installed on certain TRs; performing a detailed 
inspection of the secondary sliders of affected TR translating sleeves 
for cracking, grooving, gouging damage, and any existing repair; 
performing a dye penetrant inspection on any cracking, grooving or 
gouging damage, and any existing repair for cracking; and repairing any 
discrepancy found. 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 ADDRESSES.

Costs of Compliance

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

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Cost per
             Action                  Labor cost        Parts cost        product        Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serial number inspection.......  6 work-hours x $85              $0            $510  Up to $7,140.
                                  per hour = $510.
Replacement (per T/R half).....  12 work-hours x                  0           1,020  Up to $14,280.
                                  $85 per hour
                                  $1,020.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do the following on-
condition 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                        Labor cost          Parts cost            Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair...............................  Up to 100 work-hours x               $0  Up to $8,500.
                                        $85 per hour = Up to
                                        $8,500.
Dye-penetrant inspection.............  Up to 4 work-hours x                  0  Up to $340.
                                        $85 per hour = Up to
                                        $340.
TR sleeve serial number check........  1 work-hour x $85 per                 0  $85.
                                        hour = $85.
Check to determine if TR translating   1 work-hour x $85 per                 0  $85.
 sleeve has been installed on certain   hour = $85.
 TRs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost 
estimates for the on-condition rework and detailed inspections 
specified in this AD.
    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact 
on affected operators.

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

[[Page 1351]]

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

    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.

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:

2021-24-14 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21835; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0571; Project Identifier AD-2021-00101-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 15, 
2022.

(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, Thrust 
Reverser.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of damage to the thrust reverser 
(TR) translating sleeve secondary sliders due to contact between the 
slider and the slider track liner. This damage could reduce the 
fatigue life of the slider below its full design life for the TRs 
installed on certain engines. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
this damage, which could result in failure of the TR translating 
sleeve secondary slider and possible detachment of the outer cowl, 
which could strike the fuselage, causing damage to the airplane, and 
could result in reduced control or performance of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the 
effective date of this AD: 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-SB780043-
00 RB, Issue 001, dated January 15, 2021, do all applicable actions 
for Group 1, Configuration 1 airplanes as identified in, and in 
accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780043-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
January 15, 2021.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions 
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB780043-00, Issue 001, dated January 15, 2021, which is 
referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB780043-00 RB, Issue 001, dated January 15, 2021.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB780043-00 RB, Issue 001, dated January 15, 2021, uses the phrase 
``the issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780043-00 
RB,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB780043-00 RB, Issue 001, dated January 15, 2021, specifies 
contacting Boeing for repair instructions or for instructions to 
address certain conditions: This AD requires doing the repair or 
doing the instructions using a method approved in accordance with 
the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

(i) Parts Installation Limitations

    (1) As of the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 
(i)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD, no person may install on any airplane 
a TR with serial number between 00110001 and 00312001 inclusive, on 
which all applicable inspections and corrective actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD have not been accomplished.
    (i) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the 
effective date of this AD: After accomplishing the actions required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (ii) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued after the 
effective date of this AD: As of the effective date of this AD.
    (2) As of the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 
(i)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD, no person may install on any airplane 
a TR translating sleeve with serial number 00125001 and subsequent, 
on which all applicable inspections and corrective actions required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD have not been accomplished.
    (i) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the 
effective date of this AD: After accomplishing the actions required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (ii) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued after the 
effective date of this AD: As of the effective date of this AD.
    (3) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
TR translating sleeve that was originally installed on any airplane 
with an original airworthiness certificate or original export 
certificate of airworthiness issued after the effective date of this 
AD; or a TR translating sleeve with serial number 00125001 and 
subsequent, on which all applicable inspections and corrective 
actions specified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB780043-00 RB, Issue 001, dated January 15, 2021, have been 
accomplished; on any airplane with a TR with a serial number between 
00110001 and 00312001 inclusive, unless all applicable inspections 
and corrective actions specified in Boeing Alert Requirements 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB780043-00 RB, Issue 001, dated January 15, 
2021, have been accomplished on that TR, except as specified in 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.

(j) 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, 
as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of 
the certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in Related Information. 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 responsible Flight Standards 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

[[Page 1352]]

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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Tak Kobayashi, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-
3553; email: [email protected].

(l) 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-SB780043-00 
RB, Issue 001, dated January 15, 2021.
    (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, 
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.
    (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, [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on November 17, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-00038 Filed 1-10-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P