Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 44499-44503 [2016-15911]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 131 / Friday, July 8, 2016 / Rules and Regulations instructions, and specifies that action as ‘‘RC’’ (Required for Compliance), this AD requires repair before further flight using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES (i) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using any of the Airbus service information specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(3) of this AD. This service information is not incorporated by reference in this AD. (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1268, dated January 8, 2013, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD. (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1268, Revision 01, dated July 23, 2013, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD. (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1268, Revision 02, dated July 15, 2014, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD. (j) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1405; fax 425–227–1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM– 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus’s EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD, if any service information contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator’s maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:29 Jul 07, 2016 Jkt 238001 44499 the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (k) Related Information [Docket No. FAA–2015–5808; Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–111–AD; Amendment 39–18585; AD 2016–14–04] (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2014–0209, dated September 19, 2014, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–2964. (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD. (l) 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 this AD specifies otherwise. (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1268, Revision 03, dated May 7, 2015. (ii) Reserved. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@ airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. (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, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 23, 2016. Dorr M. Anderson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–15909 Filed 7–7–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787–8 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of water leakage from the potable water system due to improperly installed waterline couplings, and water leaking into the electronics equipment (EE) bays from above the floor in the main cabin, resulting in water on the equipment in the EE bays. This AD requires replacing the potable waterline couplings above the forward and aft EE bays with new, improved couplings. This AD also requires sealing the main cabin floor areas above the aft EE bay, installing drip shields and foam blocks, and rerouting the wire bundles near the drip shields above the equipment in the aft EE bay. We are issuing this AD to prevent a water leak from an improperly installed potable water system coupling, or main cabin water source, which could cause the equipment in the EE bays to become wet, resulting in an electrical short and potential loss of system functions essential for safe flight. DATES: This AD is effective August 12, 2016. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 12, 2016. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also available on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– 5808. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\08JYR1.SGM 08JYR1 44500 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 131 / Friday, July 8, 2016 / Rules and Regulations jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– 5808; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan L. Monroe, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM–150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6457; fax: 425–917–6590; email: susan.l.monroe@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We 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 787–8 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 19, 2015 (80 FR 72393), (‘‘the NPRM’’). The NPRM was prompted by reports of water leakage from the potable water system due to improperly installed waterline couplings, and water leaking into the EE bays from above the floor in the main cabin, resulting in water on the equipment in the EE bays. The NPRM proposed to require replacing the potable waterline couplings above the forward and aft EE bays with new, improved couplings. The NPRM also proposed to require sealing the main cabin floor areas above the aft EE bay, installing drip shields and foam blocks, and rerouting the wire bundles near the drip shields above the equipment in the aft EE bay. We are issuing this AD to prevent a water leak from an improperly installed potable water system coupling, or main cabin water source, which could cause the equipment in the EE bays to become wet, resulting in an electrical short and potential loss of system functions essential for safe flight. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comments VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:29 Jul 07, 2016 Jkt 238001 received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. Support for the NPRM The Airline Pilots Association International stated that it concurs with the contents of the NPRM. United Airlines (UAL) stated that it supports the compliance time of 60 months to accomplish the actions proposed by the NPRM. Requests To Revise Compliance Times Mr. Geoffrey Barrance requested that we revise the compliance times specified in the NPRM to before further flight. Mr. Barrance stated that, in view of the effect of common mode faults to nullify the safety design of critical avionic systems housed in the avionics bay, this matter needs to be treated with the greatest urgency and that the correction of the problem should be required with far greater urgency than the timescales proposed in the NPRM. Mr. Barrance stated an example of the automatic landing function of the automatic flight control system that does not and cannot take into account common mode faults such as water ingress into multiple line replaceable units (LRUs), which are present to provide functional redundancy and fault tolerance. Mr. Barrance stated that no probability can be assessed for unwanted behavior resulting from water ingress into multiple redundant LRUs. UAL requested that we extend the proposed compliance time from 24 months to 30 months for accomplishing the actions specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–81205– SB380009–00, Issue 001, dated March 26, 2015. UAL stated that if maintenance requires an unforeseen disassembly of the airplane for access or to correct a test failure, a 30-month period is required to schedule the clamp inspection and replacement in a heavy check. We do not agree to revise the compliance times required by this AD. In developing appropriate compliance times for this AD, we considered not only the safety implications, including evaluation of the hazards associated with water ingress into multiple redundant LRUs, but the manufacturer’s recommendations, the availability of required parts, and the practical aspect of accomplishing the required actions within an interval of time that corresponds to typical scheduled maintenance for affected operators. After considering all the available information, we have determined that the compliance times, as proposed, represent appropriate intervals of time in which the required actions can be PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 performed in a timely manner within the affected fleet, while still maintaining an adequate level of safety. Operators are always permitted to accomplish the requirements of an AD at a time earlier than the specified compliance time. Operators wanting additional time to comply with the requirements of an AD may request adjustments to the compliance time under the provisions of paragraph (k) of this AD. We will consider requests for an adjustment of the compliance time if data are submitted to substantiate that such an adjustment would provide an acceptable level of safety. We have not changed this AD in this regard. Request To Use Alternative Moisture Barrier Tape UAL requested that we approve the use of flame retardant (FR) moisture barrier tapes Nitto 11611–MB polyurethane tape or BMS8–346 Type II, Class 4 tape (3M 8657) as alternates to the BMS8–346 Type 1, Class 1 moisture barrier tape (Patco D9100) specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787 81205 SB530029–00, Issue 001, dated March 26, 2015. UAL stated that during a supplemental type certificate test for a Model 737 airplane, burn testing was performed on the Patco D9100 tape by Zodiac Northwest Aerospace Technologies, and it failed the 12second vertical test. UAL stated that, therefore, the Patco D9100 tape could not be certified to meet the 14 CFR 25.853 flammability requirements. We do not agree with UAL’s request. We have contacted Boeing who provided evidence that BMS8–346 Type 1, Class 1 moisture barrier tape (Patco D9100) material passed the 12-second vertical burn test. UAL did not submit specific evidence to substantiate that Nitto 11611–MB polyurethane tape or BMS8–346 Type II, Class 4 tape (3M 8657) is compliant and that BMS8–346 Type 1, Class 1 moisture barrier tape (Patco D9100) material is noncompliant. Under the provisions of paragraph (k) of this AD, we will consider requests for approval of an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that alternative tapes are compliant. We have not changed this AD in this regard. Requests To Use Revised Service Information Boeing and UAL requested that we revise the NPRM to refer to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–81205– SB380009–00, Issue 002, dated December 9, 2015; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–81205–SB530029–00, Issue 002, dated January 26, 2016; and E:\FR\FM\08JYR1.SGM 08JYR1 jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 131 / Friday, July 8, 2016 / Rules and Regulations Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB530031–00, Issue 002, dated March 16, 2016. We agree with the commenters’ requests to use the most current service information. We have revised this AD as described below. • Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB380009–00, Issue 002, dated December 9, 2015, adds notes, revises the waiting time in the leak test, and corrects typographical errors. We have revised paragraphs (c) and (g) of this AD to reference this service information. • Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB530029–00, Issue 002, dated January 26, 2016, extends the 24-month compliance time for sealing floor panels and seat tracks to 60 months; clarifies installation of components, revises tape requirements; revises sealant callouts; and corrects kit contents. We have revised paragraphs (c) and (h)(1) of this AD to reference this service information. • Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB530031–00, Issue 002, dated March 16, 2016, extends the 24-month compliance time for installing drip shields and foam blocks to 60 months. This service information also revises the airplane groups into configurations to account for airplanes on which the drip shield between the floor beams at station (STA) 1233 and STA 1257 was not installed due to interference with wire bundles over the P100 panel. This service information also clarifies certain instructions, revises certain task hour estimates, and removes one airplane from the effectivity. This service information erroneously specifies ‘‘Group 6, Configuration 1’’ airplanes where it should specify ‘‘Group 7, Configuration 1’’ airplanes for Task 29 in multiple places. We have revised paragraphs (c) and (h)(2) of this AD to reference Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–81205–SB530031–00, Issue 002, dated March 16, 2016. We have added new paragraph (i) to specify an exception for Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–81205–SB530031–00, Issue 002, dated March 16, 2016. We have also added new paragraph (j) of this AD to provide credit for actions done prior to the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–81205–SB380009–00, Issue 001, dated March 26, 2015; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–81205– SB530029–00, Issue 001, dated March 26, 2015; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–81205–SB530031–00, Issue 001, dated March 26, 2015; as applicable. We have redesignated subsequent paragraphs accordingly. VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:29 Jul 07, 2016 Jkt 238001 Request To Review Airplane Certification Procedures Mr. Geoffrey Barrance requested that we conduct an internal review and a review with the manufacturer as to why the airplane equipment bay design was not reviewed and required to protect the avionics LRUs from water ingress at the time of certification. Mr. Barrance stated that this is not a new issue and must be a standard check item on design reviews and certification signoff. Mr. Barrance stated that this is a design and certification omission, not primarily a problem with the quality of work by the people doing the installation of the potable waterlines. We partially agree with Mr. Barrance’s request. We agree that this is a design issue that increased the likelihood of mis-installation, and not primarily a problem with the quality of work by personnel installing the potable waterlines. We asked the manufacturer to conduct a root-cause analysis to determine how it permitted design issues that created the unsafe condition. We are working with the manufacturer to determine if their company processes must be updated to better identify these hazards. The actions required by this AD address only the results of that analysis that directly relate to the identified design issues, and mandate changes to correct those issues. We disagree that the EE bay design was not reviewed and required to protect the avionics LRUs from water ingress at the time of certification. A hazard analysis was completed for these systems, as part of the certification process, which required known hazards to be addressed. This event shows that despite the hazard analysis during the design and certification phase, further improvement is needed to remove the unsafe condition. Airplane manufacturers are responsible for the safety of their products and services, and must be in compliance with applicable safety requirements. As a component of our safety management system, we verify that the safety systems of the design approval holder meet applicable requirements. Working with approval holders during the design development process, we strive to avoid unsafe conditions in the first place. The design for this system was evaluated during the certification process and found at the time to be compliant. We also verify that the approval holders’ processes, products, and services continue to maintain safety of their product during the operational phases of their service life. In this regard, we have evaluated the issues related to this system and acted on them. PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 44501 We are continuously evaluating our certification system and procedures and improving them when problems are found. In addition, if the FAA is made aware of issues occurring on a certificated product, we conduct an investigation, evaluate the manufacturer’s root-cause analysis, and make a determination whether or not an unsafe condition exists. We then take appropriate action to mitigate the unsafe condition. We have not changed this AD in this regard. Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM. We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed the following service information. • Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB380009–00, Issue 002, dated December 9, 2015. • Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB530029–00, Issue 002, dated January 26, 2016. • Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB530031–00, Issue 002, dated March 16, 2016. This service information describes procedures for replacing the potable waterline couplings above the forward and aft EE bays with new, improved couplings; sealing the floors, seat tracks, and lavatories above the aft EE bay; installing drip shields and foam blocks; and rerouting the wire bundles adjacent to the drip shields above the aft EE bay. 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 the ADDRESSES section. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 17 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: E:\FR\FM\08JYR1.SGM 08JYR1 44502 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 131 / Friday, July 8, 2016 / Rules and Regulations ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Replace waterline couplings .................. Up to 24 work-hours × $85 per hour = up to $2,040 Up to 108 work-hours × $85 per hour = up to $9,180 Up to 42 work-hours × $85 per hour = up to $3,570 Seal floors and seat tracks .................... Install drip shields and reroute wiring .... According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. 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. We are 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. jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES 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) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:29 Jul 07, 2016 Jkt 238001 Parts cost Up to $5,235 Up to $88,995 137 Up to $9,317 Up to $158,389 Up to $38,164 Up to $648,788 34,594 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ 2016–14–04 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39–18585; Docket No. FAA–2015–5808; Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–111–AD. (a) Effective Date This AD is effective August 12, 2016. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787–8 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in the service information specified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD. (1) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB380009–00, Issue 002, dated December 9, 2015. (2) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB530029–00, Issue 002, dated January 26, 2016. (3) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB530031–00, Issue 002, dated March 16, 2016. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 38, Water/Waste; and Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of water leakage from the potable water system due to Fmt 4700 (f) Compliance (g) Replace Potable Waterline Couplings Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace the existing potable waterline couplings located above the forward and aft EE bays with new, improved couplings, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–81205–SB380009–00, Issue 002, dated December 9, 2015. Before further flight after doing the replacement, do a potable water system leak test and repair any leaks found before further flight, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–81205–SB380009–00, Issue 002, dated December 9, 2015. (h) Seal Floor Panels and Seat Tracks/Install Drip Shields and Reroute Wiring (b) Affected ADs None. Frm 00014 improperly installed waterline couplings, and water leaking into the electronics equipment (EE) bays from above the floor in the main cabin, resulting in water on the equipment in the EE bays. We are issuing this AD to prevent a water leak from an improperly installed potable water system coupling, or main cabin water source, which could cause the equipment in the EE bays to become wet, resulting in an electrical short and potential loss of system functions essential for safe flight. Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES PO 00000 Cost on U.S. operators $3,195 under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. § 39.13 Cost per product Sfmt 4700 Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: Do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD. (1) Apply sealant to the main cabin floor areas located above the aft EE bay, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–81205–SB530029–00, Issue 002, dated January 26, 2016. (2) Install drip shields and foam blocks, and reroute the wire bundles above the equipment in the aft EE bay, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–81205– SB530031–00, Issue 002, dated March 16, 2016, except as specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. (i) Exception to Certain Service Information Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB530031–00, Issue 002, dated March 16, 2016, specifies ‘‘Group 6, Configuration 1’’ airplanes in reference to Task 29, the correct airplane group identification is ‘‘Group 7, Configuration 1’’ airplanes. E:\FR\FM\08JYR1.SGM 08JYR1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 131 / Friday, July 8, 2016 / Rules and Regulations jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES (j) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for the corresponding actions specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using the applicable service information specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD. This service information is not incorporated by reference in this AD. (1) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB380009–00, Issue 001, dated March 26, 2015. (2) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB530029–00, Issue 001, dated March 26, 2015. (3) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB530031–00, Issue 001, dated March 26, 2015. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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 local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOCRequests@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, alteration, or modification required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO to make those findings. For a repair method 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. (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (k)(4)(i) and (k)(4)(ii) apply. (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures. (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator’s maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. (l) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Susan L. Monroe, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:29 Jul 07, 2016 Jkt 238001 Systems Branch, ANM–150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6457; fax: 425–917–6590; email: susan.l.monroe@faa.gov. (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (m)(3) and (m)(4) of this AD. (m) 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 Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB380009–00, Issue 002, dated December 9, 2015. (ii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB530029–00, Issue 002, dated January 26, 2016. (iii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB530031–00, Issue 002, dated March 16, 2016. (3) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766– 5680; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. (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, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 23, 2016. Dorr M. Anderson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–15911 Filed 7–7–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2015–6541; Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–135–AD; Amendment 39–18581; AD 2016–13–16] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 ACTION: 44503 Final rule. We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of a manufacturing oversight, in which a supplier omitted the required protective finish on certain bushings installed in the rear spar upper chord on horizontal stabilizers, which could lead to galvanic corrosion and consequent cracking of the rear spar upper chord. This AD requires an inspection or records check to determine if affected horizontal stabilizers are installed, related investigative actions, and for affected horizontal stabilizers, repetitive inspections for any crack of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar upper chord, and corrective action if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the rear spar upper chord, which can result in the failure of the upper chord and consequent departure of the horizontal stabilizer from the airplane, which can lead to loss of control of the airplane. DATES: This AD is effective August 12, 2016. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 12, 2016. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also available on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– 6541. SUMMARY: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– 6541; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket E:\FR\FM\08JYR1.SGM 08JYR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 131 (Friday, July 8, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44499-44503]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-15911]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-5808; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-111-AD; 
Amendment 39-18585; AD 2016-14-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
reports of water leakage from the potable water system due to 
improperly installed waterline couplings, and water leaking into the 
electronics equipment (EE) bays from above the floor in the main cabin, 
resulting in water on the equipment in the EE bays. This AD requires 
replacing the potable waterline couplings above the forward and aft EE 
bays with new, improved couplings. This AD also requires sealing the 
main cabin floor areas above the aft EE bay, installing drip shields 
and foam blocks, and rerouting the wire bundles near the drip shields 
above the equipment in the aft EE bay. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent a water leak from an improperly installed potable water system 
coupling, or main cabin water source, which could cause the equipment 
in the EE bays to become wet, resulting in an electrical short and 
potential loss of system functions essential for safe flight.

DATES: This AD is effective August 12, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 12, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services 
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 
206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
5808.

[[Page 44500]]

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
5808; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan L. Monroe, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6457; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
susan.l.monroe@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We 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 787-8 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
November 19, 2015 (80 FR 72393), (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted 
by reports of water leakage from the potable water system due to 
improperly installed waterline couplings, and water leaking into the EE 
bays from above the floor in the main cabin, resulting in water on the 
equipment in the EE bays. The NPRM proposed to require replacing the 
potable waterline couplings above the forward and aft EE bays with new, 
improved couplings. The NPRM also proposed to require sealing the main 
cabin floor areas above the aft EE bay, installing drip shields and 
foam blocks, and rerouting the wire bundles near the drip shields above 
the equipment in the aft EE bay. We are issuing this AD to prevent a 
water leak from an improperly installed potable water system coupling, 
or main cabin water source, which could cause the equipment in the EE 
bays to become wet, resulting in an electrical short and potential loss 
of system functions essential for safe flight.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    The Airline Pilots Association International stated that it concurs 
with the contents of the NPRM.
    United Airlines (UAL) stated that it supports the compliance time 
of 60 months to accomplish the actions proposed by the NPRM.

Requests To Revise Compliance Times

    Mr. Geoffrey Barrance requested that we revise the compliance times 
specified in the NPRM to before further flight. Mr. Barrance stated 
that, in view of the effect of common mode faults to nullify the safety 
design of critical avionic systems housed in the avionics bay, this 
matter needs to be treated with the greatest urgency and that the 
correction of the problem should be required with far greater urgency 
than the timescales proposed in the NPRM. Mr. Barrance stated an 
example of the automatic landing function of the automatic flight 
control system that does not and cannot take into account common mode 
faults such as water ingress into multiple line replaceable units 
(LRUs), which are present to provide functional redundancy and fault 
tolerance. Mr. Barrance stated that no probability can be assessed for 
unwanted behavior resulting from water ingress into multiple redundant 
LRUs.
    UAL requested that we extend the proposed compliance time from 24 
months to 30 months for accomplishing the actions specified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB380009-00, Issue 001, dated March 
26, 2015. UAL stated that if maintenance requires an unforeseen 
disassembly of the airplane for access or to correct a test failure, a 
30-month period is required to schedule the clamp inspection and 
replacement in a heavy check.
    We do not agree to revise the compliance times required by this AD. 
In developing appropriate compliance times for this AD, we considered 
not only the safety implications, including evaluation of the hazards 
associated with water ingress into multiple redundant LRUs, but the 
manufacturer's recommendations, the availability of required parts, and 
the practical aspect of accomplishing the required actions within an 
interval of time that corresponds to typical scheduled maintenance for 
affected operators. After considering all the available information, we 
have determined that the compliance times, as proposed, represent 
appropriate intervals of time in which the required actions can be 
performed in a timely manner within the affected fleet, while still 
maintaining an adequate level of safety. Operators are always permitted 
to accomplish the requirements of an AD at a time earlier than the 
specified compliance time. Operators wanting additional time to comply 
with the requirements of an AD may request adjustments to the 
compliance time under the provisions of paragraph (k) of this AD. We 
will consider requests for an adjustment of the compliance time if data 
are submitted to substantiate that such an adjustment would provide an 
acceptable level of safety. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Use Alternative Moisture Barrier Tape

    UAL requested that we approve the use of flame retardant (FR) 
moisture barrier tapes Nitto 11611-MB polyurethane tape or BMS8-346 
Type II, Class 4 tape (3M 8657) as alternates to the BMS8-346 Type 1, 
Class 1 moisture barrier tape (Patco D9100) specified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin B787 81205 SB530029-00, Issue 001, dated March 26, 
2015. UAL stated that during a supplemental type certificate test for a 
Model 737 airplane, burn testing was performed on the Patco D9100 tape 
by Zodiac Northwest Aerospace Technologies, and it failed the 12-second 
vertical test. UAL stated that, therefore, the Patco D9100 tape could 
not be certified to meet the 14 CFR 25.853 flammability requirements.
    We do not agree with UAL's request. We have contacted Boeing who 
provided evidence that BMS8-346 Type 1, Class 1 moisture barrier tape 
(Patco D9100) material passed the 12-second vertical burn test. UAL did 
not submit specific evidence to substantiate that Nitto 11611-MB 
polyurethane tape or BMS8-346 Type II, Class 4 tape (3M 8657) is 
compliant and that BMS8-346 Type 1, Class 1 moisture barrier tape 
(Patco D9100) material is non-compliant. Under the provisions of 
paragraph (k) of this AD, we will consider requests for approval of an 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) if sufficient data are 
submitted to substantiate that alternative tapes are compliant. We have 
not changed this AD in this regard.

Requests To Use Revised Service Information

    Boeing and UAL requested that we revise the NPRM to refer to Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB380009-00, Issue 002, dated 
December 9, 2015; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB530029-00, 
Issue 002, dated January 26, 2016; and

[[Page 44501]]

Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB530031-00, Issue 002, dated 
March 16, 2016.
    We agree with the commenters' requests to use the most current 
service information. We have revised this AD as described below.
     Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB380009-00, 
Issue 002, dated December 9, 2015, adds notes, revises the waiting time 
in the leak test, and corrects typographical errors. We have revised 
paragraphs (c) and (g) of this AD to reference this service 
information.
     Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB530029-00, 
Issue 002, dated January 26, 2016, extends the 24-month compliance time 
for sealing floor panels and seat tracks to 60 months; clarifies 
installation of components, revises tape requirements; revises sealant 
callouts; and corrects kit contents. We have revised paragraphs (c) and 
(h)(1) of this AD to reference this service information.
     Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB530031-00, 
Issue 002, dated March 16, 2016, extends the 24-month compliance time 
for installing drip shields and foam blocks to 60 months. This service 
information also revises the airplane groups into configurations to 
account for airplanes on which the drip shield between the floor beams 
at station (STA) 1233 and STA 1257 was not installed due to 
interference with wire bundles over the P100 panel. This service 
information also clarifies certain instructions, revises certain task 
hour estimates, and removes one airplane from the effectivity. This 
service information erroneously specifies ``Group 6, Configuration 1'' 
airplanes where it should specify ``Group 7, Configuration 1'' 
airplanes for Task 29 in multiple places. We have revised paragraphs 
(c) and (h)(2) of this AD to reference Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB530031-00, Issue 002, dated March 16, 2016. We have added 
new paragraph (i) to specify an exception for Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB530031-00, Issue 002, dated March 16, 2016.
    We have also added new paragraph (j) of this AD to provide credit 
for actions done prior to the effective date of this AD using Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB380009-00, Issue 001, dated March 
26, 2015; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB530029-00, Issue 
001, dated March 26, 2015; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-
81205-SB530031-00, Issue 001, dated March 26, 2015; as applicable. We 
have redesignated subsequent paragraphs accordingly.

Request To Review Airplane Certification Procedures

    Mr. Geoffrey Barrance requested that we conduct an internal review 
and a review with the manufacturer as to why the airplane equipment bay 
design was not reviewed and required to protect the avionics LRUs from 
water ingress at the time of certification. Mr. Barrance stated that 
this is not a new issue and must be a standard check item on design 
reviews and certification signoff. Mr. Barrance stated that this is a 
design and certification omission, not primarily a problem with the 
quality of work by the people doing the installation of the potable 
waterlines.
    We partially agree with Mr. Barrance's request. We agree that this 
is a design issue that increased the likelihood of mis-installation, 
and not primarily a problem with the quality of work by personnel 
installing the potable waterlines. We asked the manufacturer to conduct 
a root-cause analysis to determine how it permitted design issues that 
created the unsafe condition. We are working with the manufacturer to 
determine if their company processes must be updated to better identify 
these hazards. The actions required by this AD address only the results 
of that analysis that directly relate to the identified design issues, 
and mandate changes to correct those issues.
    We disagree that the EE bay design was not reviewed and required to 
protect the avionics LRUs from water ingress at the time of 
certification. A hazard analysis was completed for these systems, as 
part of the certification process, which required known hazards to be 
addressed. This event shows that despite the hazard analysis during the 
design and certification phase, further improvement is needed to remove 
the unsafe condition. Airplane manufacturers are responsible for the 
safety of their products and services, and must be in compliance with 
applicable safety requirements. As a component of our safety management 
system, we verify that the safety systems of the design approval holder 
meet applicable requirements. Working with approval holders during the 
design development process, we strive to avoid unsafe conditions in the 
first place. The design for this system was evaluated during the 
certification process and found at the time to be compliant. We also 
verify that the approval holders' processes, products, and services 
continue to maintain safety of their product during the operational 
phases of their service life. In this regard, we have evaluated the 
issues related to this system and acted on them.
    We are continuously evaluating our certification system and 
procedures and improving them when problems are found. In addition, if 
the FAA is made aware of issues occurring on a certificated product, we 
conduct an investigation, evaluate the manufacturer's root-cause 
analysis, and make a determination whether or not an unsafe condition 
exists. We then take appropriate action to mitigate the unsafe 
condition. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed the following service information.
     Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB380009-00, 
Issue 002, dated December 9, 2015.
     Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB530029-00, 
Issue 002, dated January 26, 2016.
     Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB530031-00, 
Issue 002, dated March 16, 2016.
    This service information describes procedures for replacing the 
potable waterline couplings above the forward and aft EE bays with new, 
improved couplings; sealing the floors, seat tracks, and lavatories 
above the aft EE bay; installing drip shields and foam blocks; and 
rerouting the wire bundles adjacent to the drip shields above the aft 
EE bay. 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 the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 17 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 44502]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               Cost per         Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost          Parts cost        product           operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace waterline couplings.......  Up to 24 work-hours x           $3,195  Up to $5,235    Up to $88,995
                                     $85 per hour = up to
                                     $2,040
Seal floors and seat tracks.......  Up to 108 work-hours x             137  Up to $9,317    Up to $158,389
                                     $85 per hour = up to
                                     $9,180
Install drip shields and reroute    Up to 42 work-hours x           34,594  Up to $38,164   Up to $648,788
 wiring.                             $85 per hour = up to
                                     $3,570
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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.
    We are 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

Adoption of 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 (AD):

2016-14-04 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18585; Docket No. FAA-
2015-5808; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-111-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 12, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in the 
service information specified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and 
(c)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB380009-00, Issue 
002, dated December 9, 2015.
    (2) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB530029-00, Issue 
002, dated January 26, 2016.
    (3) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB530031-00, Issue 
002, dated March 16, 2016.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 38, Water/Waste; 
and Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of water leakage from the 
potable water system due to improperly installed waterline 
couplings, and water leaking into the electronics equipment (EE) 
bays from above the floor in the main cabin, resulting in water on 
the equipment in the EE bays. We are issuing this AD to prevent a 
water leak from an improperly installed potable water system 
coupling, or main cabin water source, which could cause the 
equipment in the EE bays to become wet, resulting in an electrical 
short and potential loss of system functions essential for safe 
flight.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Replace Potable Waterline Couplings

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace 
the existing potable waterline couplings located above the forward 
and aft EE bays with new, improved couplings, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-
81205-SB380009-00, Issue 002, dated December 9, 2015. Before further 
flight after doing the replacement, do a potable water system leak 
test and repair any leaks found before further flight, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB380009-00, Issue 002, dated December 9, 2015.

(h) Seal Floor Panels and Seat Tracks/Install Drip Shields and Reroute 
Wiring

    Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: Do the 
actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Apply sealant to the main cabin floor areas located above 
the aft EE bay, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB530029-00, Issue 002, 
dated January 26, 2016.
    (2) Install drip shields and foam blocks, and reroute the wire 
bundles above the equipment in the aft EE bay, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB530031-00, Issue 002, dated March 16, 2016, except as 
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.

(i) Exception to Certain Service Information

    Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB530031-00, 
Issue 002, dated March 16, 2016, specifies ``Group 6, Configuration 
1'' airplanes in reference to Task 29, the correct airplane group 
identification is ``Group 7, Configuration 1'' airplanes.

[[Page 44503]]

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the corresponding actions 
specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions 
were performed before the effective date of this AD using the 
applicable service information specified in paragraphs (j)(1), 
(j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD. This service information is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (1) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB380009-00, Issue 
001, dated March 26, 2015.
    (2) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB530029-00, Issue 
001, dated March 26, 2015.
    (3) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB530031-00, Issue 
001, dated March 26, 2015.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, alteration, or modification required by this AD 
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO to make those findings. For a repair method 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.
    (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(k)(4)(i) and (k)(4)(ii) apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, 
including substeps and identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Susan L. Monroe, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, 
ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6457; fax: 
425-917-6590; email: susan.l.monroe@faa.gov.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (m)(3) and (m)(4) of this AD.

(m) 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 Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB380009-00, Issue 
002, dated December 9, 2015.
    (ii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB530029-00, Issue 
002, dated January 26, 2016.
    (iii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB530031-00, 
Issue 002, dated March 16, 2016.
    (3) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services 
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; 
telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet 
https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 23, 2016.
Dorr M. Anderson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-15911 Filed 7-7-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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