Proposed Rule2025-20664
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
November 21, 2025
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 reports of door assist handles pulled loose from their lower attach point in the doorway support bracket during pre-flight checks. This proposed AD would require, for certain airplanes, installing a new retainer above the lower keyway of the support bracket assembly and installing a placard on certain support bracket assemblies or marking the part, and for certain airplanes would require an inspection of the forward and aft door assist handles and applicable on-condition actions. For certain other airplanes, this proposed AD would require installing a new retainer above the lower keyway of the support bracket assembly at certain locations and reidentifying the support bracket assembly. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 223 (Friday, November 21, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 223 (Friday, November 21, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52573-52576]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-20664]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-3428; Project Identifier AD-2024-00428-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 reports of door assist
handles pulled loose from their lower attach point in the doorway
support bracket during pre-flight checks. This proposed AD would
require, for certain airplanes, installing a new retainer above the
lower keyway of the support bracket assembly and installing a placard
on certain support bracket assemblies or marking the part, and for
certain airplanes would require an inspection of the forward and aft
door assist handles and applicable on-condition actions. For certain
other airplanes, this proposed AD would require installing a new
retainer above the lower keyway of the support bracket assembly at
certain locations and reidentifying the support bracket assembly. 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 January 5,
2026.
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-2025-3428; 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 the Boeing material identified in this proposed 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>.
<bullet> You may view this material 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-2025-3428.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julie Linn, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3584;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e78d928b8e82c98b8e8989a7818686c9808891"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="503a253c39357e3c393e3e103631317e373f26">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 52574]]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments using a method listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-3428;
Project Identifier AD-2024-00428-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 Julie
Linn, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines,
WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3584; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#214b544d48440f4d484f4f614740400f464e57"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="28425d44414d0644414646684e4949064f475e">[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 reports indicating door assist handles pulled
loose from their lower attach point in the doorway support bracket
during pre-flight checks. Boeing determined a lower maximum allowable
door assist handle flex value, coupled with an out-of-tolerance door
assist handle, contributed to this failure. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in door assist handles becoming detached, which
could cause injuries to passengers, crew, or maintenance personnel 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin
B787-81205-SB250253-00 RB, Issue 002, dated July 11, 2024. This
material specifies procedures for installing a new retainer above the
lower keyway of the support bracket assembly and installing a placard
on the forward and aft support bracket assemblies or marking the part
to indicate the required actions were accomplished. For certain
airplanes, this material specifies procedures for a detailed inspection
for correct installation of the forward and aft door assist handles,
and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include
replacement of upper spring clips.
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 each passenger entry door
located at the forward and aft door assist handle, and reidentifying
the support bracket assembly with a new part number.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the material already described, 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
material at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2025-3428.
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 on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspection (per airplane, 12 work-hours x $0.................. $1,020.............. $116,280 (114
Model 787-8 and 787-9 $85 per hour = airplanes).
airplanes). $1,020.
Installation of retainers and Up to 16 work- Up to $116.......... Up to $1,476........ Up to $168,264
placards or part marking (per hours x $85 per (114 airplanes).
airplane, Model 787-8 and 787- hour = $1,360.
9 airplanes).
Inspection and 28 work-hours x $160................ $2,540.............. $22,860 (9
reidentification (per $85 per hour = airplanes).
airplane Model 787-10 $2,380.
airplanes).
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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 this replacement:
[[Page 52575]]
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replacement of upper spring clips (per door).. 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $120 $290
$170.
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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.
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-2025-3428; Project Identifier AD-
2024-00428-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by January 5, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes, certificated in
any category, as specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD.
(1) Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes as identified in Boeing
Special Attention Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250253-00 RB,
Issue 002, dated July 11, 2024.
(2) Model 787-10 airplanes as identified in Boeing Requirements
Bulletin B787-81205-SB250254-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 22,
2021.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of door assist handles pulled
loose from their lower attach point in the doorway support bracket
during pre-flight checks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
loose door assist handles. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in door assist handles becoming detached, which could
cause injuries to passengers, crew, or maintenance personnel 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
(1) For the airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD:
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable
times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Special
Attention Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250253-00 RB, Issue
002, dated July 11, 2024, do all applicable actions identified in,
and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250253-00 RB,
Issue 002, dated July 11, 2024.
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1): Guidance for accomplishing the
actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB250253-00, Issue 002, dated July 11,
2024, which is referred to in Boeing Special Attention Requirements
Bulletin B787-81205-SB250253-00 RB, Issue 002, dated July 11, 2024.
(2) For the airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD:
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable
times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250254-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
February 22, 2021, do all applicable actions identified in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250254-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
February 22, 2021.
Note 2 to paragraph (g)(2): 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 Requirements Bulletin Specifications
(1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Special Attention Requirements
Bulletin B787-81205-SB250253-00 RB, Issue 002, dated July 11, 2024,
refer to the Issue 002 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, refer to the
Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250254-00 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
[[Page 52576]]
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#b7f6faf8f4f7d1d6d699d0d8c1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3b7a7674787b5d5a5a155c544d">[email protected]</span></a>. Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) 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
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Julie Linn,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 206-231-3584; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#365c435a5f53185a5f58587650575718515940"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="244e51484d410a484d4a4a644245450a434b52">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by
reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (k)(3)
this AD.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB250253-00 RB, Issue 002, dated July 11, 2024.
(ii) Boeing Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB250254-00 RB,
Issue 001, dated February 22, 2021.
(3) For the Boeing material 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 material 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#e48296ca8d8a97948187908d8b8aa48a859685ca838b92"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4325316d2a2d30332620372a2c2d032d2231226d242c35">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on October 6, 2025.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-20664 Filed 11-20-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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