[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 139 (Thursday, July 21, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43395-43398]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-15492]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 139 / Thursday, July 21, 2022 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 43395]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0010; Project Identifier AD-2021-00850-T; 
Amendment 39-22120; AD 2022-15-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 a report that during a C-check, corrosion was 
found in the vertical fin tension bolt hole located in the aluminum 
crown frames at a certain section. This AD requires inspecting certain 
vertical fin tension bolt holes; reviewing the bolt sealant application 
installation procedure in the existing maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable; checking maintenance records to determine the 
replacement status of vertical fin tension bolts; and doing applicable 
on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 25, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 25, 
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-2022-0010.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0010; 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: Greg Rutar, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3529; 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 February 15, 2022 (87 FR 8436). The NPRM was 
prompted by a report that during a C-check, corrosion was found in the 
vertical fin tension bolt hole located in the aluminum crown frames at 
Section 48. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require inspecting certain 
vertical fin tension bolt holes; reviewing the bolt sealant application 
installation procedure in the existing maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable; checking maintenance records to determine the 
replacement status of vertical fin tension bolts; and doing applicable 
on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address undetected 
corrosion, which could lead to the structure falling below residual 
strength requirements and the loss of the vertical fin, and result in 
loss of control of the airplane.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

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

Request To Revise the Exception Requirement for a Repair

    UAL requested that the FAA revise the exception requirement for a 
repair. UAL stated that paragraph (h)(2) of the proposed AD specifies 
that repairs require an operator to contact Boeing for repair 
instructions and to do the repair using a method approved in accordance 
with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of the proposed AD. UAL 
commented that in paragraph E.2. ``Work Instructions'' of Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550010-00 RB, Issue 001, dated May 
24, 2021, it requires, for Condition 2, Action 1 and Condition 7.2, 
Action 1, to contact Boeing for repair instructions if ``any corrosion 
or any finish degradation found.'' UAL commented that per Note 11 of 
paragraph E.1. ``General Information'' of Boeing Alert Requirements 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB550010-00 RB, Issue 001, dated May 24, 2021, 
finish degradation is defined as ``deterioration, delamination, 
excessive wear, or erosion of surface, substrates, or coating.'' UAL 
stated that since primer is considered a protective coating, any 
degradation of primer at the bolt hole would require repair 
instructions approved by an alternative method of compliance (AMOC); 
however, Tasks 2, 4, 6, and 8 of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB550010-00 RB, Issue 001, dated May 24, 2021, already 
contain primer instructions if there is degradation, which specifies 
to, ``Apply two coats of BMS 10-11, Type 1 primer if bolt hole in the 
aluminum frame has protective finish degradation.'' UAL commented that, 
therefore, it should not be necessary to contact Boeing and obtain an 
AMOC for a repair approval if only primer degradation is found in the 
bolt hole. UAL also noted that it expects some primer degradation to

[[Page 43396]]

occur based on the action of removing the bolts for the inspection 
(i.e., chafing between bolt shank and adjacent hole).
    UAL stated that since the instructions for primer degradation and 
application are already specified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB550010-00 RB, Issue 001, dated May 24, 2021, it would like 
clarification that primer degradation and application does not fall 
within the category of ``finish degradation'' and does not require an 
AMOC for a repair approval. UAL stated that its request meets an 
acceptable level of safety since primer coatings would be restored if 
required, preventing the safety concern of bolt hole corrosion.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter's request. The FAA agrees that 
Task 2, 4, 6, and 8 in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB550010-00 RB, Issue 001, dated May 24, 2021, contain primer 
application instructions if there is finish degradation; therefore, a 
request for an AMOC repair approval as specified in paragraph (i) of 
this AD is not required. Primer is the only bolt hole finish in the 
aluminum frame, therefore ``primer degradation'' is the only ``finish 
degradation'' that would be found in the inspected area. The FAA has 
revised paragraph (h)(2) of this AD to specify that if only finish 
degradation (no corrosion) is found, this AD requires applying two 
coats of BMS 10-11, Type 1 primer as specified in Tasks 2, 4, 6, and 8 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB550010-00 RB, Issue 001, dated May 24, 2021.

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-
SB550010-00 RB, Issue 001, dated May 24, 2021. This service information 
specifies, depending on airplane configuration, procedures for a 
detailed inspection of the vertical fin tension bolt holes (16 
locations) in the aluminum crown frames, composite deck, and root 
fittings for corrosion and finish degradation; a review of the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, related to the 
vertical fin tension bolt installation procedure to determine if the 
sealant application is correct; a review of the maintenance records to 
determine if a vertical fin tension bolt has been replaced and to 
determine the sealant application procedure that was used; and 
applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include applying 
sealant and installing new vertical fin tension bolts and barrel nuts; 
revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, 
to include the minimum requirement for the correct vertical fin tension 
bolt sealant application procedure; a detailed inspection for corrosion 
and finish degradation of only the affected vertical fin tension bolt 
holes in the aluminum crown frame, composite deck, and root fittings; 
and repair.
    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 116 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (16 locations), sealant      5.2 work-hours x $85 per         $20,580         $21,022      $2,438,552
 application, and bolt/nut               hour = $442.
 installation.
Review the existing maintenance or      1 work-hour x $85 per                  0              85           9,860
 inspection program, as applicable.      hour = $85.
Records review........................  1 work-hour x $85 per                  0              85           9,860
                                         hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary detailed 
inspection of the affected holes that would be required based on the 
results of the actions in this AD. The agency has no way of determining 
the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

                                              On-Condition Costs *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection....................................  5 work-hours x $85 per hour =                 $0            $425
                                                 $425.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Does not include cost of revising the maintenance program.

    The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, if required, takes an average of 90 work-hours per 
operator, although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from 
operator to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or 
inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has 
determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-
airplane estimate. Therefore, the FAA estimates the average total cost 
per operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
    The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost 
estimates for the repair 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.

[[Page 43397]]

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

    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:

2022-15-01 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22120; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0010; Project Identifier AD-2021-00850-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 25, 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, as identified in 
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550010-00 RB, Issue 
001, dated May 24, 2021.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that during a C-check, 
corrosion was found in the vertical fin tension bolt hole located in 
the aluminum crown frames at Section 48. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address undetected corrosion, which could lead to the structure 
falling below residual strength requirements and the loss of the 
vertical fin, and result in 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-SB550010-00 RB, Issue 001, 
dated May 24, 2021, do all applicable actions identified in, and in 
accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550010-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
May 24, 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-SB550010-00, Issue 001, dated May 24, 2021, which is 
referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB550010-00 RB, Issue 001, dated May 24, 2021.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the 
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB550010-00 RB, Issue 001, dated May 24, 2021, use the phrase 
``the Issue 1 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550010-00 
RB,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB550010-00 RB, Issue 001, dated May 24, 2021, specifies contacting 
Boeing for repair instructions, this AD requires doing the repair 
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified 
in paragraph (i) of this AD, except if only finish degradation (no 
corrosion) is found, this AD requires applying two coats of BMS 10-
11, Type 1 primer, as specified in Tasks 2, 4, 6, and 8 of Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550010-00 RB, Issue 001, 
dated May 24, 2021.

(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 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 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 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 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: 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-SB550010-00 
RB, Issue 001, dated May 24, 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

[[Page 43398]]

the availability of this material at NARA, [email protected], 
or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on July 7, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-15492 Filed 7-20-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P