Proposed Rule2022-20442
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
September 22, 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 regular pre-flight checks multiple door assist handles failed by pulling loose from their lower attachment point in the doorway support bracket. This proposed AD would require, depending on airplane configuration, doing an inspection of the forward and aft door assist handles for correct installation, installing a new retainer above the lower keyway of the support bracket assembly at certain locations, installing a placard on certain support bracket assemblies, reidentifying the support bracket assembly, and replacing the upper spring clip. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 183 (Thursday, September 22, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 183 (Thursday, September 22, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57850-57852]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-20442]
[[Page 57850]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0876; Project Identifier AD-2021-00999-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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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
regular pre-flight checks multiple door assist handles failed by
pulling loose from their lower attachment point in the doorway support
bracket. This proposed AD would require, depending on airplane
configuration, doing an inspection of the forward and aft door assist
handles for correct installation, installing a new retainer above the
lower keyway of the support bracket assembly at certain locations,
installing a placard on certain support bracket assemblies,
reidentifying the support bracket assembly, and replacing the upper
spring clip. 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 November 7,
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-
0876.
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-2022-0876; 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: Brandon Lucero, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-
3569; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6a28180b040e050444261f090f18052a0c0b0b440d051c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2c6e5e4d424843420260594f495e436c4a4d4d024b435a">[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-2022-0876; Project Identifier
AD-2021-00999-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
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
Brandon Lucero, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3569; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8eccfcefe0eae1e0a0c2fbedebfce1cee8efefa0e9e1f8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1d5f6f7c737972733351687e786f725d7b7c7c337a726b">[email protected]</span></a>.
Any commentary that the FAA receives that 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 regular pre-
flight checks multiple door assist handles failed by pulling loose from
their lower attachment point in the doorway support bracket. Boeing
determined that a lower maximum allowable door assist handle flex
value, coupled with an out-of-tolerance door assist handle, contributed
to this failure. Loose door assist handles create a safety issue during
normal and emergency use of the door if the door assist handles detach
from the door. This condition, if not addressed, could result in injury
to passengers, crew, or maintenance personnel due to falling out of the
airplane when opening the door, and could limit exit from the airplane
during a time-limited emergency evacuation.
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 Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250253-
00 RB, Issue 001, dated June 18, 2021. This service information
specifies procedures for, depending on airplane configuration, doing a
detailed inspection of the forward and aft door assist handles for
correct installation, installing a new retainer above the lower keyway
of the support bracket assembly at the left- and right-side passenger
entry doors 1, 2, 3, and 4 located at the forward and aft door assist
handle, installing a placard on the forward and aft support bracket
[[Page 57851]]
assembly, and replacing the upper spring clip.
The FAA reviewed Boeing Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250254-
00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 22, 2021. This service information
specifies procedures for installing a new retainer above the lower
keyway of the support bracket assembly at the left- and right-side
passenger entry doors 1, 2, 3, and 4 located at the forward and aft
door assist handle, and reidentifying the support bracket assembly with
a new part number.
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 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 <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0876.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 123 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection and installation (for 20 work-hours x $85 $160 $1,860 $212,040 (114
Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes). per hour = $1,700. airplanes).
Installation and reidentification 28 work-hours x $85 160 2,540 $22,860 (9
(for Model 787-10 airplanes). per hour = $2,380. airplanes).
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacement that would be required based on the results of the proposed
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need this replacement:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replacement................................... 1 work-hours x $85 per hour = $160 $245
$85.
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this
proposed 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 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-2022-0876; Project Identifier AD-
2021-00999-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by November 7, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and
787-10 airplanes,
[[Page 57852]]
certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Requirements
Bulletin B787-81205-SB250253-00 RB, Issue 001, dated June 18, 2021;
and Boeing Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250254-00 RB, Issue
001, dated February 22, 2021; as applicable.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that during regular pre-flight
checks multiple door assist handles failed by pulling loose from
their lower attachment point in the doorway support bracket. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address loose or detached door assist handles,
which could result in injury to passengers, crew, or maintenance
personnel due to falling out of the airplane when opening the door,
and could limit exit from the airplane during a time-limited
emergency evacuation.
(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
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250253-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
June 18, 2021; or Boeing Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250254-
00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 22, 2021; as applicable; do all
applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB250253-00 RB, Issue 001, dated June 18, 2021; or Boeing
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250254-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
February 22, 2021; as applicable.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Service Bulletin B787-
81205-SB250253-00, Issue 001, dated June 18, 2021, which is referred
to in Boeing Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250253-00 RB, Issue
001, dated June 18, 2021.
Note 2 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Service Bulletin B787-
81205-SB250254-00, Issue 001, dated February 22, 2021, which is
referred to in Boeing Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250254-00
RB, Issue 001, dated February 22, 2021.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB250253-00 RB, Issue 001, dated June 18, 2021, use the phrase ``the
Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250253-00 RB,''
this AD requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(2) Where the Compliance Time column of the table in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB250254-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 22, 2021, use the phrase
``the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250254-00
RB,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(3) Where the tables in the ``Accomplishment Instructions'' of
Boeing Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250253-00 RB, Issue 001,
dated June 18, 2021, specify a certain Safran service bulletin (SB),
replace the text ``SAFRAN SB C355101-25-02,'' with ``SAFRAN Service
Bulletin C355101-25-02, Revision 2, dated February 24, 2021.''
(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)(1) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#51687c101f1c7c02343025253d347c10121e7c101c1e127c0334202434222522113730307f363e27"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="82bbafc3cccfafd1e7e3f6f6eee7afc3c1cdafc3cfcdc1afd0e7f3f7e7f1f6f1c2e4e3e3ace5edf4">[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 Brandon Lucero,
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section,
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone: 206-231-3569; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#206252414e444f4e0e6c554345524f604641410e474f56"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="145666757a707b7a3a58617771667b547275753a737b62">[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 July 8, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-20442 Filed 9-21-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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