[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 67 (Friday, April 7, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20732-20735]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07090]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0889; Project Identifier AD-2021-00614-T;
Amendment 39-22373; AD 2023-05-04]
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 all
The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. This AD
was prompted by reports of ram air turbine (RAT) pump barrel assembly
failures, which caused the RAT to fail to provide hydraulic power. The
failures were determined to be caused by variations in the bronze metal
used during manufacturing, which can result in varying fatigue
properties. This AD requires an inspection or records review to
determine the part number of the RAT pump and control module (PCM) and
of the RAT assembly, and replacement of any RAT PCM or any RAT assembly
having certain part numbers. This AD also prohibits the installation of
affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 12, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 12,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-0889; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
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; website 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
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-0889.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Douglas Tsuji, Senior Aerospace
Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3548; 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 all The Boeing Company
Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on September 21, 2022 (87 FR 57653). The NPRM was
prompted by reports of RAT pump barrel assembly failures, which caused
the RAT to fail to provide hydraulic power. The failures were
determined to be caused by variations in the bronze metal used during
manufacturing, which can result in varying fatigue properties. In the
NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an inspection or records review to
determine the part number of the RAT PCM and of the RAT assembly, and
replacement of any RAT PCM or any RAT assembly having certain part
numbers. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to prohibit the
installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
fatigue or cracking of the RAT hydraulic pump bronze cylinder block.
This condition, if not addressed, could cause failure of the RAT pump
and subsequent loss of backup hydraulic power for the flight controls,
which can result in loss of continued safe flight and landing.
[[Page 20733]]
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) who supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from United Airlines (UAL),
who supported the NPRM and also had additional comments, and from
Boeing. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Revise a RAT Assembly Part Number
Boeing requested that paragraphs (j)(1) and (2) of the proposed AD
be revised to specify RAT assembly part number (P/N) 7000011H08,
instead of P/N 700011H08.
The FAA agrees with the commenter's request to fix this
typographical error and has revised paragraphs (j)(1) and (2) of this
AD accordingly.
Request To Revise the Applicability
Boeing requested that the proposed AD be revised to specify that it
applies only to the airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin B787-81205-SB290039-00 RB, Issue 002, dated October 26, 2021,
instead of all Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. Boeing claimed
that Model 787 airplanes delivered after the incorporation of CN-
AA82746B were configured with the current version of the RAT assembly
and PCM. Boeing added that, by design and process, there are no
alternative installation configurations permitted either in production
or in service.
The FAA disagrees with the commenter's request. As stated in the
NPRM, the FAA considers the RAT PCMs and RAT assemblies to be rotable
parts, and has determined that these parts could later be installed on
airplanes that were initially delivered with acceptable RAT PCMs and
RAT assemblies, thereby subjecting those airplanes to the unsafe
condition. The FAA acknowledges there is a low possibility that
airplanes delivered with the latest parts have had those parts
replaced, but the possibility does exist. The FAA has not changed this
AD regarding this issue.
Request To Clarify Related AD
UAL requested clarification of how the requirements of AD 2016-07-
25, Amendment 39-18470 (71 FR 21720, April 13, 2016) (AD 2016-07-25)
impact the requirements of the proposed AD. UAL noted that Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB290039-00 RB, Issue 002, dated
October 26, 2021, provides an alternative method of compliance (AMOC)
for AD 2016-07-25 to incorporate Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
B787-81205-SB290039-00 RB, Issue 002, dated October 26, 2021, on
aircraft in the applicability of AD 2016-07-05.
The FAA agrees to clarify. AD 2016-07-25 will not affect this AD.
AD 2016-07-25 requires changes to the RAT assembly's volume fuse to
address potential failure of the RAT pump at low speeds. AD 2016-07-25
requires installation of a new RAT assembly, P/N 7000011H08, with a
compliance time of within 36 months after May 18, 2016. This AD
requires replacing any RAT assembly having P/N 7000011H08 with P/N
7000011H09. The RAT assembly P/N 7000011H09 incorporates the previous
volume fuse changes and the new pump barrel changes. The AMOC to AD
2016-07-25 associated with Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB290039-00 RB Issue 002, dated October 26 2021, essentially
allows installation of the RAT assembly having P/N 7000011H09 in lieu
of P/N 7000011H08. The FAA has not changed this AD regarding this
issue.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. 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-
SB290039-00 RB, Issue 002, dated October 26, 2021. This service
information specifies procedures for replacing any RAT PCM having part
number (P/N) 7001267H06 with P/N 7001267H07, and replacing any RAT
assembly having P/N 7000011H08 with P/N 7000011H09. 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 148 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection or records review........ 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $12,580
hour = $85.
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Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replace RAT PCM...................... 5 work-hours x $85 per Up to $95,210.......... Up to $95,635.
hour = $425.
Replace RAT assembly................. 5 work-hours x $85 per Up to $680,912......... Up to $681,337.
hour = $425.
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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
[[Page 20734]]
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:
2023-05-04 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22373; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0889; Project Identifier AD-2021-00614-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 12, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9,
and 787-10 airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29, Hydraulic
power.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of ram air turbine (RAT)
assembly failures, which caused the RAT to fail to provide hydraulic
power. The failures were determined to be caused by variations in
the bronze metal used during manufacturing, which can result in
varying fatigue properties. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
fatigue or cracking of the RAT hydraulic pump bronze cylinder block.
This condition, if not addressed, could cause failure of the RAT
pump and subsequent loss of backup hydraulic power for the flight
controls, which can result in loss of continued safe flight and
landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection
For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the
effective date of this AD: Within 60 months after the effective date
of this AD, inspect the RAT pump and control module (PCM) and the
RAT assembly to determine the part number. A review of airplane
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the
RAT PCM and the RAT assembly part numbers can be conclusively
determined from that review.
(h) Replacements
If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g), any RAT PCM
having part number (P/N) 7001267H06 or any RAT assembly having P/N
7000011H08 is found: Except as specified by paragraph (i) of this
AD, at the applicable times specified in the ``Compliance''
paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB290039-
00 RB, Issue 002, dated October 26, 2021, do all applicable actions
identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB290039-00 RB, Issue 002, dated October 26, 2021.
Note 1 to paragraph (h): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
B787-81205-SB290039-00, Issue 002, dated October 26, 2021, which is
referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB290039-00 RB, Issue 002, dated October 26, 2021.
(i) Exception to Service Information Specifications
Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB290039-00
RB, Issue 002, dated October 26, 2021, uses the phrase ``the Issue
001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB290039-00 RB,'' this
AD requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(j) Parts Installation Prohibition
(1) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or
original export certificate of airworthiness issued after the
effective date of this AD: Installation of a RAT PCM, part number
(P/N) 7001267H06, or RAT assembly, P/N 7000011H08, is prohibited as
of the effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the
effective date of this AD, installation of a RAT PCM, P/N
7001267H06, or RAT assembly, P/N 7000011H08, is allowed until the
actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD are accomplished.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
B787-81205-SB290039-00 RB, Issue 001, dated November 3, 2020.
(l) 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 (m)(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 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.
(m) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Douglas Tsuji,
Senior Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA,
Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone: 206-231-3548; email: [email protected].
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (n)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(n) 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.
[[Page 20735]]
(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-SB290039-00
RB, Issue 002, dated October 26, 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; website 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on March 5, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-07090 Filed 4-6-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P