Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
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Issuing agencies
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-20-07, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. AD 2019-20-07 requires repetitive operational checks of the leading edge (LE) outboard (OB) slats and applicable on- condition actions. AD 2019-20-07 also requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to prohibit flap retraction under icing conditions and revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate a new operation check. Since the FAA issued AD 2019-20-07, the manufacturer developed further actions to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2019-20-07 and would require replacing the LE outboard geared rotary actuator (GRA) with a LE outboard lockout actuator (LEOLA) at leading edge OB slat locations and revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate a new certification maintenance requirement (CMR). This proposed AD would also remove airplanes from the applicability. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 52 (Wednesday, March 18, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 52 (Wednesday, March 18, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12942-12951]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-05327]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-2712; Project Identifier AD-2025-00931-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2019-20-07, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9,
and 787-10 airplanes. AD 2019-20-07 requires repetitive operational
checks of the leading edge (LE) outboard (OB) slats and applicable on-
condition actions. AD 2019-20-07 also requires revising the airplane
flight manual (AFM) to prohibit flap retraction under icing conditions
and revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate a new operation check. Since the FAA issued
AD 2019-20-07, the manufacturer developed further actions to address
the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain all requirements of
AD 2019-20-07 and would require replacing the LE outboard geared rotary
actuator (GRA) with a LE outboard lockout actuator (LEOLA) at leading
edge OB slat locations and revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate a new certification
maintenance requirement (CMR). This proposed AD would also remove
airplanes from the applicability. 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 4,
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.
[[Page 12943]]
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-2712; 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 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-2026-2712.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Emanuel Chaves Torres, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 562-
627-5350; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2a4f474b445f4f460449424b5c4f59045e4558584f596a4c4b4b044d455c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="53363e323d26363f7d303b322536207d273c21213620133532327d343c25">[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 using a method listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-2712;
Project Identifier AD-2025-00931-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
Emanuel Chaves Torres, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 562-627-5350; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#16737b777863737a38757e77607365386279646473655670777738717960"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1a7f777b746f7f763479727b6c7f69346e7568687f695a7c7b7b347d756c">[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 issued AD 2019-20-07, Amendment 39-19760 (84 FR 54765,
October 11, 2019) (AD 2019-20-07), for all The Boeing Company Model
787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. AD 2019-20-07 was prompted by a
determination that the LE OB slat system could be out of position
without flight deck annunciation. AD 2019-20-07 requires repetitive
operational checks of the LE OB slats and applicable on-condition
actions. AD 2019-20-07 also requires revising the AFM to prohibit flap
retraction under icing conditions and revising the existing maintenance
or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate a new operation
check. The agency issued AD 2019-20-07 to address a potential condition
in which the LE OB slat system could be out of position without flight
deck annunciation. This condition, if not addressed, could result in
insufficient lift, resulting in inability to maintain continued safe
flight and landing.
Actions Since AD 2019-20-07 Was Issued
The preamble to AD 2019-20-07 specifies that the FAA considers that
AD ``interim action'' and that the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
Since the FAA issued AD 2019-20-07, the manufacturer has developed
final actions to address the unsafe condition. The FAA has determined
that these final actions must be required to address the unsafe
condition and that accomplishing the final actions will terminate the
requirements of AD 2019-20-07. The manufacturer has also incorporated
these final actions on airplanes in production, which reduces the
number of airplanes that would be affected by the unsafe condition.
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 Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB270055-00 RB, Issue 002, dated November 25, 2024. This material
specifies procedures for replacing the LE outboard GRA with a LEOLA at
leading edge slat 2 and slat 11 outboard locations and revising the
operator's maintenance program to incorporate CMR document item 27-CMR-
14, ``Functionally check the Leading Edge Power Drive Unit Half System
Torque Brake.''
This proposed AD would also require Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin B787-81205-SB270051-00 RB, Issue 001, dated July 5, 2019,
which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation
by reference as of October 11, 2019 (84 FR 54765, October 11, 2019).
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 retain all requirements of AD 2019-20-07.
This proposed AD would remove airplanes from the applicability by
specifying affected line numbers and require new actions that would
terminate the requirements of AD 2019-20-07. This proposed AD would
also 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-2026-2712.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 174 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
[[Page 12944]]
Estimated Costs *
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Repetitive operational checks 8 work-hours x $85 $0 $680 per operational $118,320 per
(retained actions from AD 2019- per hour = $680 per check. operational check.
20-07). operational check.
AFM revision (retained action 1 work-hour x $85 0 $85................. $14,790.
from AD 2019-20-07). per hour = $85.
Replacement (new proposed action) 9 work-hours x $85 31,610 $32,375............. $5,633,250.
per hour = $765.
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* Table does not include estimated costs for revising the existing maintenance or inspection program.
The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator,
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane
estimate. Therefore, the agency estimates the average total cost per
operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-20-07, Amendment 39-19760
(84 FR 54765, October 11, 2019), and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2026-2712; Project Identifier AD-
2025-00931-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by May 4, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2019-20-07, Amendment 39-19760 (84 FR 54765,
October 11, 2019) (AD 2019-20-07).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and
787-10 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB270055-00 RB, Issue
002, dated November 25, 2024.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
Controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that the leading edge
(LE) outboard (OB) slat system could be out of position without
flight deck annunciation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address a
potential condition in which the LE OB slat system could be out of
position without flight deck annunciation. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could result in insufficient lift, resulting in
inability to maintain continued safe flight and landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Required Actions, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2019-20-07, with no changes. 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-SB270051-
00 RB, Issue 001, dated July 5, 2019, do all applicable actions
identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB270051-00 RB, Issue 001, dated July 5, 2019.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
B787-81205-SB270051-00, Issue 001, dated July 5, 2019, which is
referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB270051-00 RB, Issue 001, dated July 5, 2019.
(h) Retained Exception to Service Information Specifications, With No
Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD
2019-20-07, with no changes. For purposes of determining compliance
with the requirements of this AD: Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin B787-81205-SB270051-00 RB, Issue 001, dated July 5, 2019,
uses the phrase ``the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB270051-00 RB,'' this AD requires using ``October 11, 2019''
(the effective date of AD 2019-20-07).
[[Page 12945]]
(i) Retained Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision To Prohibit Flap
Retraction Under Icing Conditions, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD
2019-20-07, with no changes. Within 60 days after October 11, 2019
(the effective date of AD 2019-20-07), revise the Limitations
Section of the existing AFM to include the information in figure 1
to paragraph (i) of this AD. This may be done by inserting a copy of
figure 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD into the Limitations Section of
the existing AFM.
Figure 1 to Paragraph (i): AFM Revision
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP18MR26.013
(j) Retained Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision To Incorporate
a New Operation Check, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD
2019-20-07, with no changes. Within 60 days after October 11, 2019
(the effective date of AD 2019-20-07), revise the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the
information specified in figure 2 to paragraph (j) of this AD. This
may be done by inserting a copy of figure 2 to paragraph (j) of this
AD into the existing maintenance or inspection program.
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Figure 2 To Paragraph (j): Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision
[[Page 12946]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP18MR26.014
[[Page 12947]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP18MR26.015
[[Page 12948]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP18MR26.016
[[Page 12949]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP18MR26.017
[[Page 12950]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP18MR26.018
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(k) Retained No Alternative Actions or Intervals, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD
2019-20-07, with no changes. After the existing maintenance or
inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (j) of
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may
be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (p) of this AD.
(l) New Required Actions
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-SB270055-00 RB, Issue 002,
dated November 25, 2024, do all applicable actions identified in,
and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB270055-00 RB, Issue 002,
dated November 25, 2024.
Note 2 to paragraph (l): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
B787-81205-SB270055-00, Issue 002, dated November 25, 2024, which is
[[Page 12951]]
referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB270055-00 RB, Issue 002, dated November 25, 2024.
(m) Terminating Action
Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (l) of this AD
terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g), (i), and (j) of this
AD for that airplane. After all affected airplanes in an operator's
fleet have complied with paragraph (l) of this AD, the AFM revision
required by paragraph (i) of this AD may be removed and the
maintenance or inspection program revision required by paragraph (j)
of this AD may be removed.
(n) Exceptions to Requirements Bulletin Specifications
Where the Compliance Time column of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB270055-00 RB, Issue 002, dated November 25, 2024, refers to
the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB270055-00
RB, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(o) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (l) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
B787-81205-SB270055-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 12, 2023.
(p) 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 (q)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#23626e6c60634542420d444c55"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5d1c10121e1d3b3c3c733a322b">[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.
(3) AMOCs approved for AD 2019-20-07 are approved as AMOCs for
the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g), (i), and (j) of this
AD.
(q) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Emanuel Chaves
Torres, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 562-627-5350; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#92f7fff3fce7f7febcf1faf3e4f7e1bce6fde0e0f7e1d2f4f3f3bcf5fde4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1c79717d72697970327f747d6a796f3268736e6e796f5c7a7d7d327b736a">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by
reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (r)(5)
of this AD.
(r) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following material was approved for IBR on [DATE 35 DAYS
AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE].
(i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB270055-00
RB, Issue 002, dated November 25, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) The following material was approved for IBR on October 11,
2019 (84 FR 54765, October 11, 2019).
(i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB270051-00
RB, Issue 001, dated July 5, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) 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>.
(6) 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.
(7) 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#2046520e494e5350454354494f4e604e4152410e474f56"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b2d4c09cdbdcc1c2d7d1c6dbdddcf2dcd3c0d39cd5ddc4">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on March 12, 2026.
Lona C. Saccomando,
Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-05327 Filed 3-17-26; 8:45 am]
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