Rule2026-00839
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
January 16, 2026
Effective
February 20, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-9 and 787-10 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of multiple supplier notices of escapement (NOEs) indicating that multiple cargo barrier fitting links were possibly manufactured with an incorrect titanium alloy material. This AD requires a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) or handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer inspection of the cargo barrier fitting link to determine the titanium alloy material 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 91 Issue 11 (Friday, January 16, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 11 (Friday, January 16, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2066-2068]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-00839]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-1110; Project Identifier AD-2025-00166-T;
Amendment 39-23234; AD 2026-01-06]
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 Model 787-9 and 787-10 airplanes. This AD
was prompted by reports of multiple supplier notices of escapement
(NOEs) indicating that multiple cargo barrier fitting links were
possibly manufactured with an incorrect titanium alloy material. This
AD requires a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) or handheld X-ray
fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer inspection of the cargo barrier fitting
link to determine the titanium alloy material and applicable on-
condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 20, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 20,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-1110; 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 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>.
<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-2025-1110.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Hodgin, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3962; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c5afaab6a0b5adebafebadaaa1a2acab85a3a4a4eba2aab3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ec86839f899c84c286c28483888b8582ac8a8d8dc28b839a">[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 certain The Boeing
Company Model 787-9 and 787-10 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on June 25, 2025 (90 FR 26945). The NPRM was prompted
by reports of multiple supplier NOEs indicating that multiple cargo
barrier fitting links (both left and right) were possibly manufactured
with an incorrect titanium alloy material. In the NPRM, the FAA
proposed to require an HFEC or handheld XRF spectrometer inspection of
the cargo barrier fitting link to determine the titanium alloy material
and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address cargo barrier fitting links possibly manufactured with the
incorrect titanium alloy material, which, if not addressed, could fail
in the event of a rapid decompression in the aft fuselage and could
result in damage to the aft electronic equipment bay and consequent
loss of continued safe flight and landing.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International, (ALPA) and United Airlines who supported the NPRM
without change.
The FAA received additional comments from American Airlines
(American) and Boeing. The following presents the comments received on
the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Revise the Number of Affected Airplanes
Boeing requested the FAA revise the estimated number of affected
airplanes of U.S. registry from 23 to 25 in the Costs of Compliance
paragraph of the proposed AD and adjust the costs accordingly. Boeing
noted that Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00
RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025, includes 25 airplanes of U.S.
registry. Boeing explained that the two additional airplanes are
currently operated by foreign operators but remain on the U.S.
registry.
The FAA agrees with the request and has revised the Costs of
Compliance section of this AD accordingly.
Request To Clarify Inspection Instructions
American requested the FAA revise paragraph (g) of the proposed AD
to state that either an XRF or HFEC inspection method is acceptable for
compliance with the proposed AD. The commenter expressed concern that
paragraph (g) of the proposed AD specifies doing all applicable actions
identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions
of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue
001, dated February 7, 2025, but the inspection instructions in the
requirements bulletin do not clearly state that doing an HFEC
inspection to determine the type of titanium alloy material negates the
need for an XRF inspection (for example, see task 1, table 1, More Data
notes 1 and 2). The commenter stated it cannot accomplish the XRF
inspection because the equipment is unavailable.
The FAA disagrees with the request. Tables 1 through 3 the
Accomplishment Instructions of the requirements bulletin specify to do
an HFEC or handheld XRF spectrometer inspection of the cargo barrier
fitting link to determine the titanium alloy material. In addition,
More Data note 2 of the corresponding
[[Page 2067]]
Method of Compliance task tables states to do, as an option, an HFEC
inspection of the cargo barrier fitting link to determine the material
in accordance with appendix A of the requirements bulletin. More Data
note 2 denotes that the HFEC inspection is an alternative to the XRF
spectrometer inspection specified in More Data note 1. Therefore,
operators may accomplish either an HFEC or XRF spectrometer inspection
to comply with the AD requirement to determine the type of titanium
alloy material. No change has been made to this AD in this regard.
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 minor editorial changes, and
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on
any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025. This material
specifies procedures for an HFEC or handheld XRF spectrometer
inspection of the cargo barrier fitting link to determine the titanium
alloy material type, and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition
actions include replacing any affected fitting link with a new cargo
barrier fitting link that is manufactured with Ti-6Al-4V alloy
material. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 25 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this 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............................ 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $2,125
hour = $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any 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 this
replacement:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replacement...................... 1 work-hour x $85 Up to $2,010............... Up to $2,095.
per hour = $85.
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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 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
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:
2026-01-06 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-23234; Docket No. FAA-
2025-1110; Project Identifier AD-2025-00166-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 20,
2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-9 and 787-10
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001,
dated February 7, 2025.
[[Page 2068]]
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of multiple supplier notices of
escapement (NOEs) indicating that multiple cargo barrier fitting
links were possibly manufactured with an incorrect titanium alloy
material. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cargo barrier
fitting links possibly manufactured with the incorrect titanium
alloy material, which, if not addressed, could fail in the event of
a rapid decompression in the aft fuselage and could result in damage
to the aft electronic equipment bay and consequent 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-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001,
dated February 7, 2025, do all applicable actions identified in, and
in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
February 7, 2025.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
B787-81205-SB530089-00, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025, which is
referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025.
(h) Exception to Requirements Bulletin Specifications
Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025, refer to
the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00
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 Continued Operational
Safety Branch, 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="5b1a1614181b3d3a3a753c342d">[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) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Joseph Hodgin,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 206-231-3962; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fe94918d9b8e96d094d096919a999790be989f9fd0999188"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ec86839f899c84c286c28483888b8582ac8a8d8dc28b839a">[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)
of 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 Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00
RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For 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#95f3e7bbfcfbe6e5f0f6e1fcfafbd5fbf4e7f4bbf2fae3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="670115490e0914170204130e0809270906150649000811">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on January 6, 2026.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-00839 Filed 1-15-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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