Rule2022-00038
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
January 11, 2022
Effective
February 15, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 7 (Tuesday, January 11, 2022)</title>
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[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 [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[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 <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>. 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
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2021-0571.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> 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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b9cdd8d2d8d1d0cad897d2d6dbd8c0d8cad1d0f9dfd8d897ded6cf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dfabbeb4beb7b6acbef1b4b0bdbea6beacb7b69fb9bebef1b8b0a9">[email protected]</span></a>.
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.
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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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f7cedab6b9badaa4929683839b92dab6b4b8dab6bab8b4daa592868292848384b7919696d9909881"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f9c0d4b8b7b4d4aa9c988d8d959cd4b8bab6d4b8b4b6bad4ab9c888c9c8a8d8ab99f9898d79e968f">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8df9ece6ece5e4feeca3e6e2efecf4ecfee5e4cdebececa3eae2fb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c3b7a2a8a2abaab0a2eda8aca1a2baa2b0abaa83a5a2a2eda4acb5">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>.
(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, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5533277b3c3b26253036213c3a3b153b3427347b323a23"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7e180c5017100d0e1b1d0a1711103e101f0c1f50191108">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
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
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