[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 116 (Tuesday, June 16, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36352-36355]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-12869]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0465; Product Identifier 2020-NM-074-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes powered
by Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines. This proposed AD was prompted by
reports
[[Page 36353]]
of damage to the inner fixed structure (IFS) forward upper fire seal
and damage to thermal insulation blankets in the forward upper area of
the thrust reverser (TR). This proposed AD would require repetitive
inspections of the IFS forward upper fire seal and thermal insulation
blankets in the forward upper area of the TR for damage and applicable
on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 31,
2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, 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 referenced 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-2020-
0465.
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-2020-
0465; 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 NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tak Kobayashi, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA; phone: 206-231-3553; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0465;
Product Identifier 2020-NM-074-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
NPRM because of those comments.
The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide.
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The FAA has received reports of damage to the IFS forward upper
fire seal and damage to thermal insulation blankets in the forward
upper area of the TR. Investigation revealed that structural gapping
could occur at the interface between the leading edge of the IFS and
the engine splitter structure during flight. This gapping condition
exposes the IFS forward upper fire seal to excessive airflow pressure
and also allows airflow to pass between the engine splitter structure
and the IFS forward upper fire seal, resulting in damage to the IFS
forward upper fire seal and thermal blanket. Failure of the IFS forward
upper fire seal could cause the loss of seal pressurization and degrade
the ability to detect and extinguish an engine fire, resulting in an
uncontrolled fire. Damage to the TR insulation blanket could result in
thermal damage to the TR inner wall, the subsequent release of engine
exhaust components, and consequent damage to critical areas of the
airplane.
Relationship Between This Proposed AD and AD 2018-15-03
This proposed AD does not supersede or terminate any requirement of
AD 2018-15-03, Amendment 39-19335 (83 FR 34753, July 23, 2018) (``AD
2018-15-03''). AD 2018-15-03 requires an inspection to determine the
part number of the IFS forward upper fire seals, and applicable on-
condition actions. The on-condition actions include replacement of any
IFS forward upper fire seal having part number (P/N) 725Z3171-127 or P/
N 725Z3171-128 with a fire seal having P/N 725Z3171-151 or P/N
725Z3171-152, as applicable. After any IFS forward upper fire seal
replacement, AD 2018-15-03 requires updating the part number of the
thrust reverser half (two thrust reverser halves per engine). AD 2018-
15-03 also prohibits the installation of IFS forward upper fire seals
having P/N 725Z3171-127 or P/N 725Z3171-128, as of August 27, 2018 (the
effective date of AD 2018-15-03).
This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the IFS
forward upper fire seal and thermal insulation blankets in the forward
upper area of the TR for damage, and applicable on-condition actions.
During the inspections specified in this proposed AD, if damage is
found on any IFS forward upper fire seal, and that fire seal has P/N
725Z3171-127 or P/N 725Z3171-128, that damaged fire seal must be
replaced with a fire seal having P/N 725Z3171-151 or P/N 725Z3171-152,
as applicable. After the IFS forward upper fire seal replacement,
operators may update the part number of the thrust reverser half to get
credit for compliance with the requirements of AD 2018-15-03, provided
that action is accomplished within the compliance time of AD 2018-15-
03, which is 36 months after August 27, 2018 (the effective date of AD
2018-15-03).
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020. The service
information describes procedures for repetitive inspections of the IFS
forward upper fire seal and thermal insulation blankets of the TR for
damage and applicable on-condition actions. Damage to a forward upper
fire seal includes cuts, splits, nicks, punctures, and missing
sections. Damage to an upper thermal blanket includes tears, cuts,
missing metal skin, missing insulation, and over-temperature conditions
shown by discoloration or scorching. The on-condition actions include
replacing any damaged forward upper fire seal with a new fire seal
having an appropriate part number, and replacing any damaged forward
upper thermal blanket with a new thermal blanket.
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.
[[Page 36354]]
FAA's Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD because the agency evaluated all the
relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions
identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00
RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020, described previously, except as
discussed under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service
Information,'' and except for any differences identified as exceptions
in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this
service information at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0465.
Explanation of Requirements Bulletin
The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the
Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee
(AD ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement is a process for
annotating which steps in the service information are ``required for
compliance'' (RC) with an AD. Boeing has implemented this RC concept
into Boeing service bulletins.
In an effort to further improve the quality of ADs and AD-related
Boeing service information, a joint process improvement initiative was
worked between the FAA and Boeing. The initiative resulted in the
development of a new process in which the service information more
clearly identifies the actions needed to address the unsafe condition
in the ``Accomplishment Instructions.'' The new process results in a
Boeing Requirements Bulletin, which contains only the actions needed to
address the unsafe condition (i.e., only the RC actions).
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00, Issue 001,
dated March 31, 2020, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020,
specifies 0.5 task hours for replacing the fire seal and 0.5 task hours
for replacing the thermal blanket. Boeing notified the FAA that these
estimates are not accurate and the correct estimated task hours are 2
work-hours per TR half for replacing the fire seal and 1 work-hour per
TR half for replacing the thermal blanket. The Costs of Compliance
section in this proposed AD reflects the corrected estimated costs.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this proposed AD interim action. If final action
is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking at that
time.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 14 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection..................... 4 work-hours x $85 per $0 $340 per $4,760 per
hour = $340 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle
inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required. 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fire seal replacement............ 2 work-hours x $85 per $1,365 per TR half...... $1,535 per TR half (4 TR
hour = $170 per TR half. halves per airplane)
Thermal blanket replacement...... 1 work-hour x $85 per $17,855 per TR half..... $17,940 per TR half (4
hour = $85 per TR half. TR halves per airplane)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty by Goodrich, thereby reducing
the cost impact on affected operators. The FAA does not control
warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has
included all known 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.
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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
[[Page 36355]]
(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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2020-0465; Product Identifier
2020-NM-074-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by July 31, 2020.
(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, Engine
Exhaust System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of damage to the inner fixed
structure (IFS) forward upper fire seal and damage to thermal
insulation blankets in the forward upper area of the thrust reverser
(TR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the damage to the IFS
forward upper fire seal and the thermal insulation blankets of the
TR due to airflow through structural gapping that could occur at the
interface between the leading edge of the IFS and the engine
splitter structure during flight. Failure of the IFS forward upper
fire seal could cause the loss of seal pressurization and degrade
the ability to detect and extinguish an engine fire, resulting in an
uncontrolled fire. Damage to the TR insulation blanket could result
in thermal damage to the TR inner wall, the subsequent release of
engine exhaust components, and consequent damage to critical areas
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-SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001,
dated March 31, 2020, do all applicable actions identified in, and
in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
March 31, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
B787-81205-SB780041-00, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020, which is
referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00
RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020, uses the phrase ``the Issue 001
date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 RB'' this AD
requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(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 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 (j)(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 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
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Tak Kobayashi,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA; phone: 206-231-3553; email:
[email protected].
(2) 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. You may view this referenced 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.
Issued on June 3, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-12869 Filed 6-15-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P