Proposed Rule2023-07368
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
April 10, 2023
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 undetected water leaks from the faucet control module (FCM) migrating below the passenger floor in multiple lavatory locations during flight, and into the electronic equipment bay(s). This proposed AD would require repetitive general visual inspections of the area under all lavatory washbasins for evidence of intermittent and active leaks at the FCM and applicable on- condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 68 (Monday, April 10, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 68 (Monday, April 10, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21120-21123]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07368]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0657; Project Identifier AD-2022-01351-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 undetected water leaks from
the faucet control module (FCM) migrating below the passenger floor in
multiple lavatory locations during flight, and into the electronic
equipment bay(s). This proposed AD would require repetitive general
visual inspections of the area under all lavatory washbasins for
evidence of intermittent and active leaks at the FCM 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 May 25,
2023.
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="http://regulations.gov">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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-0657; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For service information identified in this NPRM, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention:
[[Page 21121]]
Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-
SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; website
<a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">myboeingfleet.com</a>.
<bullet> 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="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-0657.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Courtney Tuck, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-
3986; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b8fbd7cdcaccd6ddc196f396eccddbd3f8ded9d996dfd7ce"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="41022e3433352f24386f0a6f1534222a012720206f262e37">[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-2023-0657; Project Identifier
AD-2022-01351-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="http://regulations.gov">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
Courtney Tuck, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3986; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2c6f43595e5842495502670278594f476c4a4d4d024b435a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="094a667c7b7d676c702742275d7c6a62496f6868276e667f">[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 received reports of undetected water leaks from the faucet
control module (FCM) migrating below the passenger floor in multiple
lavatory locations during flight, and into the electronic equipment
bay(s), which could damage flight critical equipment. One operator
found wet carpet around the flight deck which led to an inspection of
their fleet. After inspecting their fleet, multiple airplanes had water
leaking from the FCMs.
The FCMs are located under the sinks in each lavatory and have an
O-ring seal at the top of the FCM mixing chamber, which has been
identified as the source of the leak. When the FCM is activated and the
lavatory faucet is in use, a small amount of water can leak past the O-
ring. The leak path is out of the lavatory module and through the
airplane floor. Intermittent leakage will have a slow leak rate
(approximately 8 ounces per hour) but a long latency period because it
is difficult to detect.
This condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of multiple
line replaceable units (LRUs) and subsequent 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-
SB250290-00 RB, Issue 001, dated November 1, 2022. This service
information specifies procedures for a repetitive general visual
inspection of the area under all lavatory washbasins for evidence of
intermittent and active leaks at the FCM and applicable on-condition
actions. On-condition actions include replacing the affected FCM with
new or serviceable FCM at affected lavatory washbasin(s), and do a leak
test. If a leak is found, do applicable corrective action. Repeat the
leak test and make sure no leak is 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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would 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,
and except as discussed under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD
and the Service Information.'' For information on the procedures and
compliance times, see this service information at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-0657.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this proposed AD would be an interim action.
The manufacturer is currently developing a redesigned FCM that will
address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this FCM is
developed, approved, and available, the FAA might consider additional
rulemaking.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
The effectivity of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB250290-00 RB, Issue 001, dated November 1, 2022, is limited to Model
787-8, -9, and -10 airplanes, line numbers 6 through 9996. However, the
applicability of this proposed AD includes all Boeing Model 787-8, 787-
9, and 787-10 airplanes. The FAA has determined that until the
redesigned FCM is developed, approved, and available, the interim
solution provided in this proposed AD must be required for all Model
787-8, -9, and -10 airplanes. If an airplane has a redesigned FCM
installed in production that would eliminate the need for the interim
solution, the operator may request an alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in the AD. Further,
if the FAA later obtains updated information from Boeing regarding new
production airplanes that have the redesigned FCM, the agency may
consider revising the applicability of the final rule to exclude
airplanes with the redesigned FCM.
[[Page 21122]]
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 140 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspection........................ 1 work-hour x $85 $0 $85 per inspection $11,900
per hour = $85 per cycle.
inspection cycle.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements 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 these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replacement.................................. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $6,021 $6,106
$85.
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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.
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-2023-0657; Project Identifier AD-
2022-01351-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by May 25, 2023.
(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 38, Water/waste.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of undetected water leaks from
the faucet control module (FCM) migrating below the passenger floor
in multiple lavatory locations during flight, and into the
electronic equipment bay(s). The FAA is issuing this AD to address
undetected water leaks, which could damage flight critical
equipment. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
loss of multiple line replaceable units (LRUs) and subsequent loss
of continued safe flight and landing.
(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-SB250290-00 RB, Issue 001,
dated November 1, 2022, do all applicable actions identified in, and
in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250290-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
November 1, 2022.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
B787-81205-SB250290-00, Issue 001, dated November 1, 2022, which is
referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB250290-00, Issue 001, dated November 1, 2022.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
Where the Compliance Time column of the table in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB250290-00 RB, Issue 001, dated November 1, 2022, uses the
phrase ``the Issue 001 date of the Requirements Bulletin B787-
[[Page 21123]]
81205-SB250290-00 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 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#380115797675156b5d594c4c545d15797b77157975777b156a5d494d5d4b4c4b785e5959165f574e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c2fbef838c8fef91a7a3b6b6aea7ef83818def838f8d81ef90a7b3b7a7b1b6b182a4a3a3eca5adb4">[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
For more information about this AD, contact Courtney Tuck,
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section,
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone: 206-231-3986; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#98dbf7edeaecf6fde1b6d3b6ccedfbf3d8fef9f9b6fff7ee"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c88ba7bdbabca6adb1e683e69cbdaba388aea9a9e6afa7be">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) 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-SB250290-00
RB, Issue 001, dated November 1, 2022.
(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; website <a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">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#cea8bce0a7a0bdbeabadbaa7a1a08ea0afbcafe0a9a1b8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7412065a1d1a07041117001d1b1a341a1506155a131b02">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on March 24, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-07368 Filed 4-7-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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