AD 2017-10-16
final rule
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 787-8 | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 787-9 | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
A portion of the sealant above the engine pylon between the wing skin and the vapor barrier might have been omitted, creating an unintended leak path for fuel, potentially draining onto the aft fairing heat shield above the engine and onto hot engine parts or brakes, which could lead to a major ground fire.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Inspect for missing sealant in the seam on the outside and inside of the engine struts. Install missing sealant if necessary. Restore the finish disturbed by the required work.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Before further flight
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Federal Register Abstract
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that a portion of the sealant above the engine pylon between the wing skin and the vapor barrier might have been omitted. This AD requires an inspection for missing sealant in the seam on the outside and inside of the engine struts, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Applicability Source Text
Show captured applicability text from the source AD
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB570029-00, Issue 001, dated
February 23, 2016.
Document Text
Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 100 (Thursday, May 25, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24020-24022]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10283]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9075; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-082-AD;
Amendment 39-18890; AD 2017-10-16]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a report indicating that a portion of the sealant above the
engine pylon between the wing skin and the vapor barrier might have
been omitted. This AD requires an inspection for missing sealant in the
seam on the outside and inside of the engine struts, and corrective
actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 29, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 29,
2017.
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 <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>. You may view this referenced service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9075.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9075; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, 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: David Lee, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-
917-6501; fax: 425-917-6590; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9bfffaedf2ffb5fab5f7fefedbfdfafab5fcf4ed"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="345055425d501a551a585151745255551a535b42">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We 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 and 787-9 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on September 15, 2016 (81 FR 63433). The NPRM was prompted by
a report indicating that a portion of the sealant above the engine
pylon between the wing skin and the vapor barrier might have been
omitted. The NPRM proposed to require an inspection for missing sealant
in the seam on the outside and inside of the engine struts, and
corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct missing sealant above the engine pylon between the wing skin
and the vapor barrier, which can create an unintended leak path for
fuel, potentially draining onto the aft fairing heat shield above the
engine and onto hot engine parts or brakes, which could lead to a major
ground fire.
Comments
We 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
Boeing and United Airlines (UAL) expressed support for the NPRM.
Request To Refer to Revised Service Information
UAL requested that we revise the proposed AD to refer to Issue 002
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB570029-00. UAL stated
that it disagrees with the finish requirement being an RC task. UAL
pointed out that there is already an airworthiness limitation (AWL)/
Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCL) task, 51-AWL-
01, for a paint requirement on the wing, resulting in a redundant AD
requirement. UAL explained that Boeing plans to revise the service
information to remove the requirement for applying finish over the
newly applied sealant as a required for compliance (RC) task.
We do not agree with UAL's request to revise this AD. When we
incorporate service information by reference, we refer to approved or
published service information. At the time of this action, Issue 002 of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B78781205-SB570029-00 is not approved or
published. We do not consider that delaying this action until after the
release of a service bulletin revision is warranted. Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB570029-00, Issue 001, dated February 23,
2016, provides instructions that adequately address the missing sealant
above the engine pylon between the wing skin and the vapor barrier, and
provides the necessary steps to restore the finish disturbed by the
required work.
In addition, although UAL stated that Boeing plans to eliminate the
RC designation for the finish restoration steps, Boeing has not
received agreement from the FAA that such a proposal would be approved.
The proper restoration of the finish, and particularly the thickness of
the entire set of finish layers, is safety critical for the reasons
stated in the related AWL. We do not view the AD requirement for finish
restoration to be redundant relative to the AWL. The AWL requires that,
following maintenance, alteration, and repair activity, the finish must
be restored to the specifications contained in the AWL. We, therefore,
expect the data used for any maintenance, alteration, or repair
activity that disturbs that finish (in this case Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin B787-81205-SB570029-00, Issue 001, dated February 23, 2016) to
contain instructions that result in restoration of the finish to the
standard contained in the AWL. For
[[Page 24021]]
these reasons, we do not agree with elimination of the RC designation
for the referenced steps.
We also do not agree that an operator can develop their own
alternative finish restoration procedures without FAA or Boeing
Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA)
engineering review and approval of an alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (h) of
this AD. We have not changed this AD in this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We have
determined that these minor changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB570029-00,
Issue 001, dated February 23, 2016. The service information describes
procedures for doing an inspection for missing sealant in the seam on
the outside and inside of the engine struts, and installing missing
sealant. 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
We estimate that this AD affects 32 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection........................ 3 work-hours x $85 per $0 $255 $8,160
hour = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that
will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way
of determining the number of aircraft that might need these repairs:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair.................................... Up to 3 work-hours x $85 per hour (\1\) (\1\)
= $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ We have received no definitive data that will enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition
material costs specified in this AD.
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all available costs in our
cost estimate.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2017-10-16 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18890; Docket No. FAA-
2016-9075; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-082-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective June 29, 2017.
[[Page 24022]]
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB570029-00, Issue 001, dated
February 23, 2016.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report indicating that a portion of
the sealant above the engine pylon between the wing skin and the
vapor barrier might have been omitted. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct missing sealant above the engine pylon between
the wing skin and the vapor barrier, which can create an unintended
leak path for fuel, potentially draining onto the aft fairing heat
shield and onto hot engine parts or brakes, which could lead to a
major ground fire.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection and Corrective Actions
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a
general visual inspection for missing sealant in the seam on the
outside and inside of the engine struts, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-
81205-SB570029-00, Issue 001, dated February 23, 2016. Do all
applicable corrective actions before further flight, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin B787-81205-SB570029-00, Issue 001, dated February 23, 2016.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
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 ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b28b9ff3fcff9fe1d7d3c6c6ded79ff3f1fd9ff3fffdf19fe0d7c3c7d7c1c6c1f2d4d3d39cd5ddc4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fdc4d0bcb3b0d0ae989c89899198d0bcbeb2d0bcb0b2bed0af988c88988e898ebd9b9c9cd39a928b">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO, 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) For service information that contains steps that are labeled
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs
(h)(4)(i) and (h)(4)(ii) of this AD apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply
with the AD. If a step or sub-step is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then
the RC requirement is removed from that step or sub-step. An AMOC is
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and
identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition.
(i) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact David Lee, Aerospace
Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, Seattle ACO, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6501; fax: 425-
917-6590; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#dabebbacb3bef4bbf4b6bfbf9abcbbbbf4bdb5ac"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="096d687f606d276827656c6c496f6868276e667f">[email protected]</span></a>.
(j) 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 Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB570029-00, Issue
001, dated February 23, 2016.
(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 <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
425-227-1221.
(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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 8, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-10283 Filed 5-24-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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