Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 8017-8019 [2018-03598]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 37 / Friday, February 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules The Department of Energy (DOE) published a Request for Information (RFI) on November 28, 2017 (82 FR 56181) requesting feedback on the design, value, and solutions to potential challenges of revising the U.S. Appliance and Equipment Energy Conservation Standards (ECS) program to include additional compliance flexibilities, with the goal of reducing compliance costs, enhancing consumer choice and maintaining or increasing energy savings. The comment period for the RFI was previously February 26, 2018. In a letter dated February 9, 2018, Edison Electric Institute (EEI) requested that the comment period for the RFI be extended to March 9, 2018, to allow more time for member companies to submit information to EEI. (EERE–2017– BT–STD–0059–0015) DOE also received a letter dated February 13, 2018, from the Air-Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) requesting that the comment period be extended until March 26, 2018, to allow more time for their members to submit information to AHRI. (EERE–2017–BT– STD–0059–0016) DOE grants these requests and extends the comment period until March 26, 2018. Approval of the Office of the Secretary The Secretary of Energy has approved the publication of this document. Issued in Washington, DC, on February 16, 2018. Daniel R Simmons, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. 2018–03737 Filed 2–22–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Examining the AD Docket Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0114; Product Identifier 2017–NM–167–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for The Boeing Company Model 787 series airplanes powered by Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of failures of the inner fixed structure (IFS) forward SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:44 Feb 22, 2018 Jkt 244001 upper fire seal and damage to thermal insulation blankets in the forward upper area of the thrust reverser (TR). This proposed AD would require an inspection to determine the part number of the IFS forward upper fire seal, and applicable on-condition actions. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 9, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • 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. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, 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; internet https://www.myboeingfleet. com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Standards 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 on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0114. You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0114; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647– 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tak Kobayashi, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA; phone: 206–231–3553; email: Takahisha.Kobayashi@faa.gov. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 8017 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2018–0114; Product Identifier 2017– NM–167–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion We have received a report of IFS forward upper fire seal failures and damage to thermal insulation blankets in the forward upper area of the TR. Investigation revealed that the root cause of the failures is a scrubbing and pinching condition at the upper end cap of the IFS forward upper fire seal during TR closing. The failure of the IFS forward upper fire seal causes the loss of seal pressurization, which then allows fan bypass air to enter the engine core compartment. Fan bypass air entering the engine core compartment could degrade the ability to detect and extinguish an engine fire, resulting in an uncontrolled fire. Furthermore, fan bypass air entering the engine core compartment could cause damage to the TR insulation blanket, resulting in thermal damage to the TR inner wall, the subsequent release of engine exhaust components, and consequent damage to the critical areas of the airplane. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–81205–SB780033–00, Issue 001, dated November 1, 2017. This service information describes procedures for an inspection to determine the part number of the IFS forward upper fire seal and applicable on-condition actions. 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. E:\FR\FM\23FEP1.SGM 23FEP1 8018 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 37 / Friday, February 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules Proposed AD Requirements Information,’’ and 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 service information at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0114. This proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions identified as ‘‘RC’’ (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–81205–SB780033–00, Issue 001, dated November 1, 2017, described previously, except as discussed under ‘‘Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787– 81205–SB780033–00, Issue 001, dated November 1, 2017, addresses only Model 787–8 and 787–9 airplanes powered by Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines (excluding the Rolls Royce Trent 1000–TEN engine, which was recently certified). IFS forward upper FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. fire seals having part number (P/N) 725Z3171–127 or P/N 725Z3171–128 can be installed on all Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines, including the recently certified Rolls Royce Trent 1000–TEN engine. To prevent the installation of a TR with an unsafe fire seal on a Model 787 airplane, this proposed AD would apply to all Model 787 series airplanes (including future Model 787–10) powered by Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines (including the Rolls Royce Trent 1000–TEN engine). Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 13 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS Action Labor cost Inspection ........................................................ 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 ............. We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition actions that would be required. We have no way of Cost per product Parts cost $0 Cost on U.S. operators $680 $8,840 determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions: ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 (fire seal replacement, 4 per airplane) ........................................................ $4,532 $5,212 daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS 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. This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:44 Feb 22, 2018 Jkt 244001 FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight Division. (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. Regulatory Findings We 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) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. E:\FR\FM\23FEP1.SGM 23FEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 37 / Friday, February 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2018–0114; Product Identifier 2017– NM–167–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by April 9, 2018. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787 series airplanes, certificated in any category, powered by Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78, Engine Exhaust System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of failures of the inner fixed structure (IFS) forward upper fire seal and damage to thermal insulation blankets in the forward upper area of the thrust reverser (TR). We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the IFS forward upper fire seal, which causes the loss of seal pressurization and allows fan bypass air to enter the engine core compartment. Fan bypass air entering the engine core compartment could degrade the ability to detect and extinguish an engine fire, resulting in an uncontrolled fire. Furthermore, fan bypass air entering the engine core compartment could cause damage to the TR insulation blanket, resulting in thermal damage to the TR inner wall, the subsequent release of engine exhaust components, and consequent damage to critical areas of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS (g) Required Actions For Model 787–8 and 787–9 series airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–81205–SB780033–00, Issue 001, dated November 1, 2017 (‘‘BASB B787– 81205–SB780033–00, Issue 001’’): Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do all applicable actions identified as ‘‘RC’’ (required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of BASB B787–81205– SB780033–00, Issue 001. (h) Parts Installation Prohibition For Model 787 series airplanes powered by Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines, as of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a thrust reverser with an IFS forward upper fire seal having part number (P/N) 725Z3171–127 or P/N 725Z3171–128. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:44 Feb 22, 2018 Jkt 244001 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-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, modification, or alteration 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 Branch, 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. (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled as RC, the provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) of this AD 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. If a step or substep is labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. 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. (j) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Tak Kobayashi, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA; phone: 206–231–3553; email: Takahisha.Kobayashi@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717; internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 14, 2018. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–03598 Filed 2–22–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 8019 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 18 CFR Part 385 [Docket No. RM18–7–000] Withdrawal of Pleadings Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: The Commission proposes to adopt a more accurate title of Withdrawal of pleadings (Rule 216), for Rule 216 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure. The Commission also proposes to clarify the text of the Rule. DATES: Comments are due March 26, 2018. SUMMARY: Comments, identified by docket number, may be filed in the following ways: • Electronic Filing through https:// www.ferc.gov. Documents created electronically using word processing software should be filed in native applications or print-to-PDF format and not in a scanned format. • Mail/Hand Delivery: Those unable to file electronically may mail or handdeliver comments to: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the Commission, 888 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20426. Instructions: For detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional information on the rulemaking process, see the Comment Procedures Section of this document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vince Mareino, 888 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20426, (202) 502–6167, Vince.Mareino@ferc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. In this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR), the Commission proposes to clarify the title and text of Rule 216 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.216. The Commission proposes to adopt a more accurate title of ‘‘Withdrawal of pleadings (Rule 216).’’ The Commission also proposes to clarify the text of the Rule. ADDRESSES: I. Discussion 2. The Commission proposes two changes to Rule 216. First, the current title may confuse some readers by implying that Rule 216 governs the withdrawal of tariff or rate filings, which are instead governed by separate E:\FR\FM\23FEP1.SGM 23FEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8017-8019]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-03598]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0114; Product Identifier 2017-NM-167-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for The 
Boeing Company Model 787 series airplanes powered by Rolls Royce Trent 
1000 engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of failures of 
the inner fixed structure (IFS) forward upper fire seal and damage to 
thermal insulation blankets in the forward upper area of the thrust 
reverser (TR). This proposed AD would require an inspection to 
determine the part number of the IFS forward upper fire seal, and 
applicable on-condition actions. We are proposing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 9, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     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.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, 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; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may 
view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards 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 on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0114.

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-2018-
0114; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 
800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tak Kobayashi, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA; phone: 206-231-3553; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0114; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-167-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because 
of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We have received a report of IFS forward upper fire seal failures 
and damage to thermal insulation blankets in the forward upper area of 
the TR. Investigation revealed that the root cause of the failures is a 
scrubbing and pinching condition at the upper end cap of the IFS 
forward upper fire seal during TR closing. The failure of the IFS 
forward upper fire seal causes the loss of seal pressurization, which 
then allows fan bypass air to enter the engine core compartment. Fan 
bypass air entering the engine core compartment could degrade the 
ability to detect and extinguish an engine fire, resulting in an 
uncontrolled fire. Furthermore, fan bypass air entering the engine core 
compartment could cause damage to the TR insulation blanket, resulting 
in thermal damage to the TR inner wall, the subsequent release of 
engine exhaust components, and consequent damage to the critical areas 
of the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB780033-00, 
Issue 001, dated November 1, 2017. This service information describes 
procedures for an inspection to determine the part number of the IFS 
forward upper fire seal and applicable on-condition actions. 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.

[[Page 8018]]

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions 
identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB780033-00, 
Issue 001, dated November 1, 2017, described previously, except as 
discussed under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service 
Information,'' and 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 
service information at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0114.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB780033-00, Issue 001, 
dated November 1, 2017, addresses only Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes 
powered by Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines (excluding the Rolls Royce 
Trent 1000-TEN engine, which was recently certified). IFS forward upper 
fire seals having part number (P/N) 725Z3171-127 or P/N 725Z3171-128 
can be installed on all Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines, including the 
recently certified Rolls Royce Trent 1000-TEN engine. To prevent the 
installation of a TR with an unsafe fire seal on a Model 787 airplane, 
this proposed AD would apply to all Model 787 series airplanes 
(including future Model 787-10) powered by Rolls Royce Trent 1000 
engines (including the Rolls Royce Trent 1000-TEN engine).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 13 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.........................  8 work-hours x $85 per hour              $0            $680          $8,840
                                      = $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition 
actions that would be required. We have no way of determining the 
number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

                                     Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                                  Labor cost                                       Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $680 (fire seal replacement, 4 per airplane)....          $4,532           $5,212
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.

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.

[[Page 8019]]

Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2018-0114; Product Identifier 
2017-NM-167-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 9, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, powered by Rolls Royce 
Trent 1000 engines.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78, Engine 
Exhaust System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of failures of the inner fixed 
structure (IFS) forward upper fire seal and damage to thermal 
insulation blankets in the forward upper area of the thrust reverser 
(TR). We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the IFS forward 
upper fire seal, which causes the loss of seal pressurization and 
allows fan bypass air to enter the engine core compartment. Fan 
bypass air entering the engine core compartment could degrade the 
ability to detect and extinguish an engine fire, resulting in an 
uncontrolled fire. Furthermore, fan bypass air entering the engine 
core compartment could cause damage to the TR insulation blanket, 
resulting in thermal damage to the TR inner wall, the subsequent 
release of engine exhaust components, and consequent damage to 
critical areas of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    For Model 787-8 and 787-9 series airplanes identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB780033-00, Issue 001, dated 
November 1, 2017 (``BASB B787-81205-SB780033-00, Issue 001''): 
Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do all 
applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) 
in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of BASB 
B787-81205-SB780033-00, Issue 001.

(h) Parts Installation Prohibition

    For Model 787 series airplanes powered by Rolls Royce Trent 1000 
engines, as of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
a thrust reverser with an IFS forward upper fire seal having part 
number (P/N) 725Z3171-127 or P/N 725Z3171-128.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO 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 local Flight Standards District 
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be 
emailed to: [email protected].
    (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, modification, or alteration 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 Branch, 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.
    (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as RC, the provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) of this 
AD 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. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the 
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Tak Kobayashi, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA; phone: 206-231-3553; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th 
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 14, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-03598 Filed 2-22-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.