Proposed Rule2022-03133
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
February 15, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. This proposed 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. This proposed AD would 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 proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 31 (Tuesday, February 15, 2022)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 15, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8436-8438]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03133]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0010; Project Identifier AD-2021-00850-T]
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 certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10
airplanes. This proposed 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. This proposed AD
would 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
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 1,
2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> 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 <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>. 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 at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0010.
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-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 NPRM, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Rutar, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3529; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#86e1f4e3e1a8f4f3f2e7f4c6e0e7e7a8e1e9f0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b5d2c7d0d29bc7c0c1d4c7f5d3d4d49bd2dac3">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0010; Project Identifier
AD-2021-00850-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
[[Page 8437]]
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Greg
Rutar, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-
3529; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9dfaeff8fab3efe8e9fcefddfbfcfcb3faf2eb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0a6d786f6d24787f7e6b784a6c6b6b246d657c">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA has received a report indicating that during a C-check,
corrosion was found in the vertical fin tension bolt hole located in
the aluminum crown frames at Section 48. Upon further investigation, it
was found that the corrosion was caused by insufficient sealant
application during the vertical fin tension bolt installation. This
condition, if not addressed, could result in undetected corrosion.
Undetected corrosion in this location could lead to the structure
falling below residual strength requirements and the loss of the
vertical fin, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information already described. For information on the
procedures and compliance times, see this service information at
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2022-0010.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 116 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed 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 proposed actions. 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 proposed 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 proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected operators.
[[Page 8438]]
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:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2022-0010; Project Identifier AD-
2021-00850-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by April 1, 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, uses 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.
(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#261f0b67686b0b75434752524a430b6765690b676b69650b74435753435552556640474708414950"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cbf2e68a8586e698aeaabfbfa7aee68a8884e68a868488e699aebabeaeb8bfb88badaaaae5aca4bd">[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 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 Greg Rutar,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3529;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c0a7b2a5a7eeb2b5b4a1b280a6a1a1eea7afb6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3f584d5a58114d4a4b5e4d7f595e5e11585049">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>. 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 January 14, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-03133 Filed 2-14-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on February 15, 2022.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.