Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 36352-36355 [2020-12869]
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36352
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 116 / Tuesday, June 16, 2020 / Proposed Rules
Novel or Unusual Design Features
The Bombardier Model CL–600–2B19
airplane will incorporate the following
novel or unusual design features:
A therapeutic oxygen system for
medical use.
As a part of the executive interior
installation, the gaseous passenger
oxygen system will be outfitted with a
therapeutic oxygen system. The
therapeutic oxygen system shares the
same supply of oxygen with the existing
passenger oxygen system and consists of
multiple constant flow oxygen outlets
located throughout the cabin. The
flightcrew can turn the therapeutic
oxygen system on and off from the
flightdeck to allow use at any point
during the flight, and to preserve a
sufficient remaining oxygen reserve, in
the event therapeutic oxygen is used for
medical purposes, to accommodate the
passengers in the event of an emergency
oxygen situation.
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Discussion
No specific regulations address the
design and installation of required
passenger oxygen systems that share a
supply source with an optional oxygen
system used specifically for therapeutic
applications. Therapeutic oxygen
systems have been previously certified,
and were generally considered an
extension of the passenger oxygen
system for the purpose of defining the
applicable regulations. As a result,
existing requirements, such as
§§ 25.1309, 25.1441(b) and (c), 25.1451,
and 25.1453, in the Bombardier Model
CL–600–2B19 airplanes’ certification
basis applicable to this STC project,
provide some design standards
appropriate for oxygen system
installations. In addition, § 25.1445
includes standards for oxygen
distribution systems when oxygen is
supplied to flightcrew and passengers. If
a common source of supply is used,
§ 25.1445(a)(2) requires a means to
separately reserve the minimum supply
required by the flightcrew.
Section 25.1445 is intended to protect
the flightcrew by ensuring that an
adequate supply of oxygen is available
to complete a descent and landing
following a loss of cabin pressure. When
the regulation was written, the only
passenger oxygen system designs were
supplemental oxygen systems intended
to protect passengers from hypoxia in
the event of a decompression. Existing
passenger oxygen systems did not
include design features that would
allow the flightcrew to control oxygen to
passengers during flight. There are no
similar requirements in § 25.1445 when
oxygen is supplied from the same
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source to passengers for use during a
decompression, and for discretionary or
first-aid use any time during the flight.
In the proposed design, the passenger
and therapeutic oxygen systems use the
same source of oxygen. The special
conditions contain additional design
requirements for the equipment
involved in this dual therapeutic oxygen
plus gaseous oxygen installation.
Furthermore, the potential hazard that
can exist when the oxygen content of an
enclosed area becomes too high because
of system leaks, malfunction, or damage
from external sources, make it necessary
to ensure that adequate safety standards
are applied to the design and
installation of the oxygen system in
Bombardier Model CL–600–2B19
airplanes. These potential hazards also
necessitate development and
application of appropriate additional
design and installation standards.
The proposed special conditions
contain the additional safety standards
that the Administrator considers
necessary to establish a level of safety
equivalent to that established by the
existing airworthiness standards.
Applicability
As discussed above, these special
conditions are applicable to the
Bombardier Model CL–600–2B19
airplane as modified by Aerospace
Design and Compliance. Should
Aerospace Design and Compliance
apply at a later date for a supplemental
type certificate to modify any other
model included on Type Certificate No.
A21EA, to incorporate the same novel or
unusual design feature, these special
conditions would apply to that model as
well.
Certification of the Bombardier Model
CL–600–2B19 airplane is currently
scheduled for May 2020. The substance
of these special conditions has been
subject to the notice and public
comment procedure in several prior
instances with no public comments
received. Therefore, because a delay
would significantly affect the
applicant’s installation of the system
and the certification of the airplane, the
FAA is shortening the public comment
period to 20 days.
Conclusion
This action affects only a certain
novel or unusual design feature on one
model of airplane. It is not a rule of
general applicability and affects only
the applicant who applied to the FAA
for approval of these features on the
airplane.
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List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements.
Authority Citation
The authority citation for these
special conditions is as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113,
44701, 44702, 44704.
The Proposed Special Conditions
Accordingly, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) proposes the
following special conditions as part of
the type certification basis for
Bombardier Model CL–600–2B19
airplanes, as modified by Aerospace
Design and Compliance, LLC.
The distribution system for the
passenger therapeutic oxygen systems
must be designed and installed to meet
requirements as follows:
1. When oxygen is supplied to
passengers for both supplemental and
therapeutic purposes, the distribution
system must be designed for either—
a. A source of supplemental oxygen
for protection following a loss of cabin
pressure, and a separate source for
therapeutic purposes: or
b. A common source of supply with
means to separately reserve the
minimum supply required by the
passengers for supplemental use
following a loss of cabin pressure.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May
21, 2020.
James E. Wilborn,
Acting Manager, Transport Standards
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–11437 Filed 6–15–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0465; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–074–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
The Boeing Company Model 787–8,
787–9, and 787–10 airplanes powered
by Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 116 / Tuesday, June 16, 2020 / Proposed Rules
of damage to 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 repetitive inspections of the IFS
forward upper fire seal and thermal
insulation blankets in the forward upper
area of the TR for damage and
applicable on-condition actions. The
FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by July 31, 2020.
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, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA.
For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 206–231–
3195. It is also available on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0465.
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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–2020–
0465; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this NPRM, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
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
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17:29 Jun 15, 2020
Jkt 250001
Moines, WA; phone: 206–231–3553;
email: Takahisa.Kobayashi@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites 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–2020–0465; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–074–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. The FAA
specifically invites comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this NPRM. The FAA will consider all
comments received by the closing date
and may amend this NPRM because of
those comments.
The FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
FAA will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposed
AD.
Discussion
The FAA has received reports of
damage to the IFS forward upper fire
seal and damage to thermal insulation
blankets in the forward upper area of
the TR. Investigation revealed that
structural gapping could occur at the
interface between the leading edge of
the IFS and the engine splitter structure
during flight. This gapping condition
exposes the IFS forward upper fire seal
to excessive airflow pressure and also
allows airflow to pass between the
engine splitter structure and the IFS
forward upper fire seal, resulting in
damage to the IFS forward upper fire
seal and thermal blanket. Failure of the
IFS forward upper fire seal could cause
the loss of seal pressurization and
degrade the ability to detect and
extinguish an engine fire, resulting in an
uncontrolled fire. Damage to the TR
insulation blanket could result in
thermal damage to the TR inner wall,
the subsequent release of engine exhaust
components, and consequent damage to
critical areas of the airplane.
Relationship Between This Proposed
AD and AD 2018–15–03
This proposed AD does not supersede
or terminate any requirement of AD
2018–15–03, Amendment 39–19335 (83
FR 34753, July 23, 2018) (‘‘AD 2018–15–
03’’). AD 2018–15–03 requires an
inspection to determine the part number
of the IFS forward upper fire seals, and
applicable on-condition actions. The oncondition actions include replacement
of any IFS forward upper fire seal
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36353
having part number (P/N) 725Z3171–
127 or P/N 725Z3171–128 with a fire
seal having P/N 725Z3171–151 or P/N
725Z3171–152, as applicable. After any
IFS forward upper fire seal replacement,
AD 2018–15–03 requires updating the
part number of the thrust reverser half
(two thrust reverser halves per engine).
AD 2018–15–03 also prohibits the
installation of IFS forward upper fire
seals having P/N 725Z3171–127 or P/N
725Z3171–128, as of August 27, 2018
(the effective date of AD 2018–15–03).
This proposed AD would require
repetitive inspections of the IFS forward
upper fire seal and thermal insulation
blankets in the forward upper area of
the TR for damage, and applicable oncondition actions. During the
inspections specified in this proposed
AD, if damage is found on any IFS
forward upper fire seal, and that fire
seal has P/N 725Z3171–127 or P/N
725Z3171–128, that damaged fire seal
must be replaced with a fire seal having
P/N 725Z3171–151 or P/N 725Z3171–
152, as applicable. After the IFS forward
upper fire seal replacement, operators
may update the part number of the
thrust reverser half to get credit for
compliance with the requirements of
AD 2018–15–03, provided that action is
accomplished within the compliance
time of AD 2018–15–03, which is 36
months after August 27, 2018 (the
effective date of AD 2018–15–03).
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin B787–81205–
SB780041–00 RB, Issue 001, dated
March 31, 2020. The service information
describes procedures for repetitive
inspections of the IFS forward upper
fire seal and thermal insulation blankets
of the TR for damage and applicable oncondition actions. Damage to a forward
upper fire seal includes cuts, splits,
nicks, punctures, and missing sections.
Damage to an upper thermal blanket
includes tears, cuts, missing metal skin,
missing insulation, and overtemperature conditions shown by
discoloration or scorching. The oncondition actions include replacing any
damaged forward upper fire seal with a
new fire seal having an appropriate part
number, and replacing any damaged
forward upper thermal blanket with a
new thermal blanket.
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.
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36354
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 116 / Tuesday, June 16, 2020 / Proposed Rules
Directive Implementation Aviation
Rulemaking Committee (AD ARC), to
enhance the AD system. One
enhancement is a process for annotating
which steps in the service information
are ‘‘required for compliance’’ (RC) with
an AD. Boeing has implemented this RC
concept into Boeing service bulletins.
In an effort to further improve the
quality of ADs and AD-related Boeing
service information, a joint process
improvement initiative was worked
between the FAA and Boeing. The
initiative resulted in the development of
a new process in which the service
information more clearly identifies the
actions needed to address the unsafe
condition in the ‘‘Accomplishment
Instructions.’’ The new process results
in a Boeing Requirements Bulletin,
which contains only the actions needed
to address the unsafe condition (i.e.,
only the RC actions).
FAA’s Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD
because the agency 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 in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin B787–81205–SB780041–00 RB,
Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020,
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–2020–
0465.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the Service Information
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–
81205–SB780041–00, Issue 001, dated
March 31, 2020, which is referred to in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
B787–81205–SB780041–00 RB, Issue
Explanation of Requirements Bulletin
The FAA worked in conjunction with
industry, under the Airworthiness
001, dated March 31, 2020, specifies 0.5
task hours for replacing the fire seal and
0.5 task hours for replacing the thermal
blanket. Boeing notified the FAA that
these estimates are not accurate and the
correct estimated task hours are 2 workhours per TR half for replacing the fire
seal and 1 work-hour per TR half for
replacing the thermal blanket. The Costs
of Compliance section in this proposed
AD reflects the corrected estimated
costs.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this proposed AD
interim action. If final action is later
identified, the FAA might consider
further rulemaking at that time.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 14 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Inspection ......................
4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 per inspection cycle.
$0
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
Cost per product
$340 per inspection
cycle.
actions that would be required. The
FAA has no way of determining the
Cost on U.S. operators
$4,760 per inspection
cycle
number of aircraft that might need these
on-condition actions:
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ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per product
Fire seal replacement.
Thermal blanket replacement.
2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170
per TR half.
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 per
TR half.
$1,365 per TR half ...............................
$1,535 per TR half (4 TR halves per
airplane)
$17,940 per TR half (4 TR halves per
airplane)
According to the manufacturer, some
or all of the costs of this proposed AD
may be covered under warranty by
Goodrich, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators. The FAA
does not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. As a result, the
FAA has included all known 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:
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17:29 Jun 15, 2020
Jkt 250001
$17,855 per TR half .............................
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 116 / Tuesday, June 16, 2020 / Proposed Rules
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The 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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
2020–0465; Product Identifier 2020–
NM–074–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by July
31, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company
Model 787–8, 787–9, and 787–10 airplanes,
certificated in any category, powered by Rolls
Royce Trent 1000 engines.
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(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 78, Engine Exhaust System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
damage to 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). The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the damage
to the IFS forward upper fire seal and the
thermal insulation blankets of the TR due to
airflow through structural gapping that could
occur at the interface between the leading
edge of the IFS and the engine splitter
structure during flight. Failure of the IFS
forward upper fire seal could cause the loss
of seal pressurization and degrade the ability
to detect and extinguish an engine fire,
resulting in an uncontrolled fire. Damage to
the TR insulation blanket could result in
thermal damage to the TR inner wall, the
subsequent release of engine exhaust
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:29 Jun 15, 2020
Jkt 250001
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
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this
AD: At the applicable times specified in the
‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin B787–81205–
SB780041–00 RB, Issue 001, dated March 31,
2020, do all applicable actions identified in,
and in accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin B787–81205–SB780041–00 RB, Issue
001, dated March 31, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for
accomplishing the actions required by this
AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin B787–81205–SB780041–00, Issue
001, dated March 31, 2020, which is referred
to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
B787–81205–SB780041–00 RB, Issue 001,
dated March 31, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information
Specifications
Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
B787–81205–SB780041–00 RB, Issue 001,
dated March 31, 2020, uses the phrase ‘‘the
Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin
B787–81205–SB780041–00 RB’’ this AD
requires using ‘‘the effective date of this AD.’’
(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: 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 Company
Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make
those findings. To be approved, the repair
method, modification deviation, or alteration
deviation must meet the certification basis of
the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Tak Kobayashi, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines,
WA; phone: 206–231–3553; email:
Takahisa.Kobayashi@faa.gov.
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36355
(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,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
Issued on June 3, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–12869 Filed 6–15–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0525; Airspace
Docket No. 20–ASO–7]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Amendment and
Establishment of Area Navigation
(RNAV) Routes; South-Central Florida
Metroplex Project
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
amend two existing low altitude RNAV
routes (T-routes), and establish nine
new T-routes in support of the SouthCentral Florida Metroplex Project. The
proposed changes would reduce the
dependency of the National Airspace
System (NAS) on ground-based
navigational systems, and assist with
the transition to a more efficient
Performance Based Navigation (PBN)
route structure.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before July 31, 2020.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590; telephone: 1
(800) 647–5527 or (202) 366–9826. You
must identify FAA Docket No. FAA–
2020–0525; Airspace Docket No. 20–
ASO–7 at the beginning of your
comments. You may also submit
comments through the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov.
FAA Order 7400.11D, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, and
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 116 (Tuesday, June 16, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36352-36355]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-12869]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0465; Product Identifier 2020-NM-074-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes powered
by Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines. This proposed AD was prompted by
reports
[[Page 36353]]
of damage to 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 repetitive
inspections of the IFS forward upper fire seal and thermal insulation
blankets in the forward upper area of the TR for damage and applicable
on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 31,
2020.
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, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0465.
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-2020-
0465; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed above. 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
The FAA invites 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-2020-0465;
Product Identifier 2020-NM-074-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
NPRM because of those comments.
The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide.
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The FAA has received reports of damage to the IFS forward upper
fire seal and damage to thermal insulation blankets in the forward
upper area of the TR. Investigation revealed that structural gapping
could occur at the interface between the leading edge of the IFS and
the engine splitter structure during flight. This gapping condition
exposes the IFS forward upper fire seal to excessive airflow pressure
and also allows airflow to pass between the engine splitter structure
and the IFS forward upper fire seal, resulting in damage to the IFS
forward upper fire seal and thermal blanket. Failure of the IFS forward
upper fire seal could cause the loss of seal pressurization and degrade
the ability to detect and extinguish an engine fire, resulting in an
uncontrolled fire. Damage to the TR insulation blanket could result in
thermal damage to the TR inner wall, the subsequent release of engine
exhaust components, and consequent damage to critical areas of the
airplane.
Relationship Between This Proposed AD and AD 2018-15-03
This proposed AD does not supersede or terminate any requirement of
AD 2018-15-03, Amendment 39-19335 (83 FR 34753, July 23, 2018) (``AD
2018-15-03''). AD 2018-15-03 requires an inspection to determine the
part number of the IFS forward upper fire seals, and applicable on-
condition actions. The on-condition actions include replacement of any
IFS forward upper fire seal having part number (P/N) 725Z3171-127 or P/
N 725Z3171-128 with a fire seal having P/N 725Z3171-151 or P/N
725Z3171-152, as applicable. After any IFS forward upper fire seal
replacement, AD 2018-15-03 requires updating the part number of the
thrust reverser half (two thrust reverser halves per engine). AD 2018-
15-03 also prohibits the installation of IFS forward upper fire seals
having P/N 725Z3171-127 or P/N 725Z3171-128, as of August 27, 2018 (the
effective date of AD 2018-15-03).
This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the IFS
forward upper fire seal and thermal insulation blankets in the forward
upper area of the TR for damage, and applicable on-condition actions.
During the inspections specified in this proposed AD, if damage is
found on any IFS forward upper fire seal, and that fire seal has P/N
725Z3171-127 or P/N 725Z3171-128, that damaged fire seal must be
replaced with a fire seal having P/N 725Z3171-151 or P/N 725Z3171-152,
as applicable. After the IFS forward upper fire seal replacement,
operators may update the part number of the thrust reverser half to get
credit for compliance with the requirements of AD 2018-15-03, provided
that action is accomplished within the compliance time of AD 2018-15-
03, which is 36 months after August 27, 2018 (the effective date of AD
2018-15-03).
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020. The service
information describes procedures for repetitive inspections of the IFS
forward upper fire seal and thermal insulation blankets of the TR for
damage and applicable on-condition actions. Damage to a forward upper
fire seal includes cuts, splits, nicks, punctures, and missing
sections. Damage to an upper thermal blanket includes tears, cuts,
missing metal skin, missing insulation, and over-temperature conditions
shown by discoloration or scorching. The on-condition actions include
replacing any damaged forward upper fire seal with a new fire seal
having an appropriate part number, and replacing any damaged forward
upper thermal blanket with a new thermal blanket.
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 36354]]
FAA's Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD because the agency 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 in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00
RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020, 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-2020-0465.
Explanation of Requirements Bulletin
The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the
Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee
(AD ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement is a process for
annotating which steps in the service information are ``required for
compliance'' (RC) with an AD. Boeing has implemented this RC concept
into Boeing service bulletins.
In an effort to further improve the quality of ADs and AD-related
Boeing service information, a joint process improvement initiative was
worked between the FAA and Boeing. The initiative resulted in the
development of a new process in which the service information more
clearly identifies the actions needed to address the unsafe condition
in the ``Accomplishment Instructions.'' The new process results in a
Boeing Requirements Bulletin, which contains only the actions needed to
address the unsafe condition (i.e., only the RC actions).
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00, Issue 001,
dated March 31, 2020, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020,
specifies 0.5 task hours for replacing the fire seal and 0.5 task hours
for replacing the thermal blanket. Boeing notified the FAA that these
estimates are not accurate and the correct estimated task hours are 2
work-hours per TR half for replacing the fire seal and 1 work-hour per
TR half for replacing the thermal blanket. The Costs of Compliance
section in this proposed AD reflects the corrected estimated costs.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this proposed AD interim action. If final action
is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking at that
time.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 14 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection..................... 4 work-hours x $85 per $0 $340 per $4,760 per
hour = $340 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle
inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required. The FAA has no way of
determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition
actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fire seal replacement............ 2 work-hours x $85 per $1,365 per TR half...... $1,535 per TR half (4 TR
hour = $170 per TR half. halves per airplane)
Thermal blanket replacement...... 1 work-hour x $85 per $17,855 per TR half..... $17,940 per TR half (4
hour = $85 per TR half. TR halves per airplane)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty by Goodrich, thereby reducing
the cost impact on affected operators. The FAA does not control
warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has
included all known 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.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
[[Page 36355]]
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2020-0465; Product Identifier
2020-NM-074-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by July 31, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and
787-10 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 damage to 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). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the damage to the IFS
forward upper fire seal and the thermal insulation blankets of the
TR due to airflow through structural gapping that could occur at the
interface between the leading edge of the IFS and the engine
splitter structure during flight. Failure of the IFS forward upper
fire seal could cause the loss of seal pressurization and degrade
the ability to detect and extinguish an engine fire, resulting in an
uncontrolled fire. Damage to the TR insulation blanket could result
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
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001,
dated March 31, 2020, do all applicable actions identified in, and
in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
March 31, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
B787-81205-SB780041-00, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020, which is
referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00
RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020, uses the phrase ``the Issue 001
date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 RB'' this AD
requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(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 Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair
method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact 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, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
Issued on June 3, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-12869 Filed 6-15-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
