Rule2024-01967
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 1, 2024
Effective
March 7, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company (Boeing) Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. 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). This AD requires 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 issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 22 (Thursday, February 1, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 22 (Thursday, February 1, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6422-6425]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-01967]
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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;
Amendment 39-22652; AD 2024-01-01]
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 (Boeing) Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10
airplanes. 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). This AD requires 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 issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 7, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 7,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
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 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> 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; 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> under Docket No. FAA-2023-0657.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Courtney Tuck, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
206-231-3986; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a6e5c9d3d4d2c8c3df88ed88f2d3c5cde6c0c7c788c1c9d0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aae9c5dfd8dec4cfd384e184fedfc9c1eacccbcb84cdc5dc">[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 all Boeing Model 787-8,
787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register
on April 10, 2023 (88 FR 21120). The NPRM was prompted by reports of
undetected water leaks from the FCM migrating below the passenger floor
in multiple lavatory locations during flight, and into the electronic
equipment bay(s). In the NPRM, the FAA advised that the FCMs are
located under the sinks in each lavatory and have an O-ring seal at the
top of the FCM mixing chamber; a small amount of water leaking past the
O-ring has been identified as the source of the leak.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to 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, including replacing the affected FCM.
[[Page 6423]]
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.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from Boeing and the Air Line Pilots
Association, International, who supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from United Airlines (UAL),
American Airlines (American), and All Nippon Airways (ANA). The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Request To Allow Alternative Cleaning Material
UAL noted that the proposed AD would require complying with the
actions in table 1 of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB250290-00 RB, Issue 001, dated November 1, 2022, which then
references the procedures in Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB250290-00
Issue 001 or later approved issues for each action. UAL stated that the
service bulletin contains a cleaning action that refers to a Jamco
component maintenance manual (CMM) as an accepted procedure. UAL
further stated that the instructions in the Jamco CMM for removing
scale specify using a corrosive solution that can produce harmful
fumes. As a result, UAL asked to use a milder product as an
alternative.
Both the requirements bulletin and the service bulletin state that
where the instructions refer to another document, operators may use
accepted alternative procedures. Where the instructions state a
procedure must done in accordance with a Boeing document, then
operators will need an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) to use a
different procedure. Because the cleaning procedure mentioned by the
commenter refers to the Jamco CMM, operators may use accepted
alternative procedures, including a different accepted cleaning
product, without obtaining an AMOC. No change to the AD is necessary as
a result of this comment.
Request To Limit Inspection Area
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require visual inspections at all
lavatory locations. American and ANA requested that the FAA limit the
inspection to the area under the lavatory washbasins located in the
door 1 and door 3 area near the electronic equipment bays. American
added that leaks in other locations do not have the potential to cause
damage to the LRUs and thus do not affect safe operation of the
airplane.
The FAA disagrees with the commenters' request. The unsafe
condition exists when two FCMs leak simultaneously, involving the loss
of flight-critical equipment at different locations. This could occur
at door 1, 2, 3, or 4. Further, it is possible to have multiple
persistent and simultaneous latent leaks from different lavatories on
the same airplane. Therefore, it is necessary to inspect the lavatories
at all locations, not just those near the electronic equipment bays.
Request To Reference Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) Item 38-10-
01A
American requested that the FAA state that MMEL item 38-10-01A
(which allows individual components of the potable water system to be
inoperative provided associated components are deactivated or isolated
and associated system components are verified to not have leaks)
remains valid and applicable as a method to deactivate the water supply
to a discrepant FCM.
The FAA agrees that this AD does not conflict with an operator's
ability to dispatch an airplane with an inoperable potable water system
under MMEL item 38-10-01A. The FAA has not changed this AD in this
regard.
Request To Limit Actions for Intermittent Leaks
ANA requested that the FAA revise the proposed AD to not require
corrective action if intermittent leaks are found from the FCM. ANA
stated that if evidence of intermittent leaks are found at the FCM, the
source of the leak isn't necessarily the FCM, and therefore it should
not be necessary to replace the FCM or deactivate the water supply to
the FCM.
The FAA disagrees. Intermittent leaks may have a long latency
period and be difficult to detect, but they can still cause the unsafe
condition identified in this AD and therefore must be addressed.
Operators with a method other than replacement of the FCM, which
provides an acceptable level of safety, may request approval to use an
AMOC. The FAA did not change this AD as a result of this request.
Additional Changes to This Final Rule
After the NPRM was published, Boeing notified the FAA that certain
airplanes were modified in production and delivered with a redesigned
FCM that is not subject to the unsafe condition. The FAA has determined
the actions required by this AD are not necessary on those airplanes
and has therefore revised the applicability of this AD to only include
airplanes that were delivered with the affected FCM.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for the 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-
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 doing a
leak test. If a leak is found, the service information specifies doing
applicable corrective action, repeating the leak test, and making 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.
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
The effectivity of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB250290-00 RB, Issue 001, dated November 1, 2022, is Model 787-8, -9,
and -10 airplanes, line numbers 6 through 9996. As the FAA stated in
the NPRM, the agency would consider revising the applicability of the
final rule to exclude airplanes with a redesigned FCM that eliminates
the need for the actions required by this AD. Therefore, the
applicability of this AD does not include those line-numbered airplanes
with a redesigned FCM installed in production.
Interim Action
This AD is an interim action. The FAA is considering additional
rulemaking regarding the redesigned
[[Page 6424]]
FCM that addresses the unsafe condition identified in this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 140 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this 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 per $0 $85 per inspection $11,900
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
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 = $85.. $6,021 $6,106
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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
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:
2024-01-01 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22652; Docket No. FAA-
2023-0657; Project Identifier AD-2022-01351-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 7, 2024.
(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, having line numbers
6 through 687 inclusive, 689 through 954 inclusive, 956 through 970
inclusive, 972 through 982 inclusive, 984 through 989 inclusive, 991
through 996 inclusive, 999, 1001 through 1008 inclusive, 1012, 1013,
1016 through 1019 inclusive, 1021, 1022, 1024 through 1026
inclusive, 1029 through 1032 inclusive, 1038, 1040, 1041, 1044,
1045, 1047, 1048, 1054 through 1062 inclusive, 1071, 1072, 1074,
1075, 1082, 1085, 1087, 1091, 1094, 1095, 1098, 1099, 1103, 1109,
1112 through 1114 inclusive, 1117, 1118, 1121, 1122, 1125, 1126,
1128 through 1134 inclusive, 1136 through 1145 inclusive, 1147,
1148, 1151, 1161, and 1167.
(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 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 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
[[Page 6425]]
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 B787-81205-
SB250290-00 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of
this AD.''
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, AIR-520 Continued Operational Safety 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#a49d89e5eae989f7c1c5d0d0c8c189e5e7eb89e5e9ebe789f6c1d5d1c1d7d0d7e4c2c5c58ac3cbd2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="80b9adc1cecdadd3e5e1f4f4ece5adc1c3cfadc1cdcfc3add2e5f1f5e5f3f4f3c0e6e1e1aee7eff6">[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, AIR-520
Continued Operational Safety 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,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; telephone 206-231-3986; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b2f1ddc7c0c6dcd7cb9cf99ce6c7d1d9f2d4d3d39cd5ddc4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3b78544e494f555e421570156f4e58507b5d5a5a155c544d">[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 material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7214005c1b1c01021711061b1d1c321c1300135c151d04"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a4c2d68acdcad7d4c1c7d0cdcbcae4cac5d6c58ac3cbd2">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on January 3, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-01967 Filed 1-31-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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