Proposed Rule2022-20444
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 21, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of ram air turbine (RAT) pump barrel assembly failures, which caused the RAT to fail to provide hydraulic power. The failures were determined to be caused by variations in the bronze metal used during manufacturing, which can result in varying fatigue properties. This proposed AD would require an inspection or records review to determine the part number of the RAT pump and control module (PCM) and of the RAT assembly, and replacement of any RAT PCM or any RAT assembly having certain part numbers. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected parts. 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 182 (Wednesday, September 21, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 182 (Wednesday, September 21, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57653-57655]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-20444]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0889; Project Identifier AD-2021-00614-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 all The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of ram air turbine (RAT) pump
barrel assembly failures, which caused the RAT to fail to provide
hydraulic power. The failures were determined to be caused by
variations in the bronze metal used during manufacturing, which can
result in varying fatigue properties. This proposed AD would require an
inspection or records review to determine the part number of the RAT
pump and control module (PCM) and of the RAT assembly, and replacement
of any RAT PCM or any RAT assembly having certain part numbers. This
proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected parts. 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-
0889.
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-2022-0889; 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: Douglas Tsuji, Senior Aerospace
Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3548;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#12767d67757e73613c666167787b527473733c757d64"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95f1fae0f2f9f4e6bbe1e6e0fffcd5f3f4f4bbf2fae3">[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-2022-0889; Project Identifier
AD-2021-00614-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
Douglas Tsuji, Senior Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment
Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3548; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9afef5effdf6fbe9b4eee9eff0f3dafcfbfbb4fdf5ec"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b3d7dcc6d4dfd2c09dc7c0c6d9daf3d5d2d29dd4dcc5">[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 RAT pump barrel
assembly failures during production flights have caused the RAT to fail
to provide hydraulic power. An investigation by the manufacturer
determined that the failures are caused by variations in the bronze
material used during the manufacturing process, which can result in
varying fatigue properties. The varying fatigue properties of the RAT
pump cylinder
[[Page 57654]]
block, along with fatigue cracks, can result in failure of the RAT
pump, which is a component within the RAT PCM and the larger RAT
assembly. This condition, if not addressed, could cause fatigue or
cracking of the hydraulic pump bronze cylinder block and lead to
failures of the RAT pump and subsequent loss of backup hydraulic power
for the flight controls, which can result in loss of continued safe
flight and landing.
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-
SB290039-00 RB, Issue 002, dated October 26, 2021. This service
information specifies procedures for replacing any RAT PCM having part
number (P/N) 7001267H06 with P/N 7001267H07, and replacing any RAT
assembly having P/N 7000011H08 with P/N 7000011H09.
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 an inspection or records review to
determine the part number of each RAT PCM and RAT assembly. This
proposed AD would also require accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information already described, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected
parts. 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-2022-0889.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
The effectivity of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB290039-00 RB, Issue 002, dated October 26, 2021, is limited to Model
787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes, having certain line numbers between
6 and 1048. However, the applicability of this proposed AD includes all
Boeing Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. Because the affected
RAT PCMs and RAT assemblies are rotable parts, the FAA has determined
that these parts could later be installed on airplanes that were
initially delivered with acceptable RAT PCMs and RAT assemblies,
thereby subjecting those airplanes to the unsafe condition.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 148 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 or records review.......... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $12,580
hour = $85.
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Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replace RAT PCM.................. 5 work-hours x $85 Up to $95,210.............. Up to $95,635.
per hour = $425.
Replace RAT assembly............. 5 work-hours x $85 Up to $680,912............. Up to $681,337.
per hour = $425.
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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.
[[Page 57655]]
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-2022-0889; Project Identifier AD-
2021-00614-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 all The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9,
and 787-10 airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29, Hydraulic
power.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of ram air turbine (RAT)
assembly failures, which caused the RAT to fail to provide hydraulic
power. The failures were determined to be caused by variations in
the bronze metal used during manufacturing, which can result in
varying fatigue properties. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
fatigue or cracking of the RAT hydraulic pump bronze cylinder block.
This condition, if not addressed, could cause failure of the RAT
pump and subsequent loss of backup hydraulic power for the flight
controls, which can result in loss of continued safe flight and
landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection
For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or
original certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the
effective date of this AD: Within 60 months after the effective date
of this AD, inspect the RAT pump and control module (PCM) and the
RAT assembly to determine the part number. A review of airplane
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the
RAT PCM and the RAT assembly part numbers can be conclusively
determined from that review.
(h) Replacements
If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
any RAT PCM having part number (P/N) 7001267H06 or any RAT assembly
having P/N 7000011H08 is found: Except as specified by paragraph (i)
of this AD, at the applicable times specified in the ``Compliance''
paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB290039-
00 RB, Issue 002, dated October 26, 2021, do all applicable actions
identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB290039-00 RB, Issue 002, dated October 26, 2021.
Note 1 to paragraph (h): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
B787-81205-SB290039-00, Issue 002, dated October 26, 2021, which is
referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB290039-00 RB, Issue 002, dated October 26, 2021.
(i) Exception to Service Information Specifications
Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB290039-00
RB, Issue 002, dated October 26, 2021, uses the phrase ``the Issue
001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB290039-00 RB,'' this
AD requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(j) Parts Installation Prohibition
(1) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or
original export certificate of airworthiness issued after the
effective date of this AD: Installation of a RAT PCM, part number
(P/N) 7001267H06, or RAT assembly, P/N 700011H08, is prohibited as
of the effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the
effective date of this AD, installation of a RAT PCM, P/N
7001267H06, or RAT assembly, P/N 700011H08, is allowed until the
actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD are accomplished.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
B787-81205-SB290039-00 RB, Issue 001, dated November 3, 2020.
(l) 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 (m) of this AD. Information may be emailed
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#675e4a26292a4a34020613130b024a2624284a262a28244a35021612021413142701060649000811"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2e17036f6063037d4b4f5a5a424b036f6d61036f63616d037c4b5f5b4b5d5a5d6e484f4f00494158">[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.
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Douglas Tsuji,
Senior Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA,
Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206-231-3548; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4f2b203a28232e3c613b3c3a25260f292e2e61282039"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a0c4cfd5c7ccc1d38ed4d3d5cac9e0c6c1c18ec7cfd6">[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 18, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-20444 Filed 9-20-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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