Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 33823-33826 [2023-11091]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 101 / Thursday, May 25, 2023 / Rules and Regulations inspection (ECI) or fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) for a crack by accomplishing the actions in paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD, as applicable. (i) Accomplish an ECI by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3, paragraphs C.(1) through (6), but not paragraph C.(6)(c)(1)., of ASB 92–62–010. (ii) Accomplish an FPI by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3, paragraphs D.(1) through (5), except paragraph D.(4), of ASB 92–62–010. (3) For helicopters with a swashplate assembly identified in paragraph (c) of this AD certified for operation at a maximum gross weight of 26,500 lbs. that have accumulated 8,600 or more total hours TIS on the swashplate assembly, or certified for operation at a maximum gross weight of 27,700 lbs. that have accumulated 3,300 or more total hours TIS on the swashplate assembly, within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, with the trunnion installed, accomplish an ECI or FPI of the uniball lower bore lip, uniball upper bore, and each trunnion mount bolt hole for a crack by accomplishing the actions in paragraph (h)(3)(i) or (ii) of this AD, as applicable. (i) Accomplish an ECI by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3, paragraphs C.(2) through (6), but not paragraph C.(6)(c)1., of ASB 92–62–010. (ii) Accomplish an FPI by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3, paragraphs D.(2), (3), and (5) of ASB 92–62– 010. (4) If there is a crack as a result of any of the inspections required by paragraph (h)(2) or (3) of this AD, before further flight, remove the swashplate assembly from service. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, East Certification Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 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) of this AD. (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. (j) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Jared Hyman, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, East Certification Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (781) 238–7305; email: 9AVS-AIR-BACO-COS@faa.gov. (k) 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:53 May 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on June 29, 2023. (i) Sikorsky S–92 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92–62–010, Basic Issue, dated January 26, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on February 18, 2022 (87 FR 2316, January 14, 2022). (i) Sikorsky S–92 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92–62–009, Basic Issue, dated February 6, 2019. (ii) [Reserved] (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact a Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky’s Service Engineering Group at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Mailstop K100, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800– 946–4337 (1–800-Winged-S); email: wcs_ cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com; website: sikorsky360.com. (6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (7) 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, email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued on May 8, 2023. Michael Linegang, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–11136 Filed 5–24–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2022–1417; Project Identifier AD–2022–00731–T; Amendment 39–22419; AD 2023–08–04] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787–8, 787–9, and 787–10 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of a loss of water pressure during flight and water leaks that affected multiple pieces of electronic equipment. This AD requires SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 33823 a detailed visual inspection of all door 1 and door 3 lavatory and galley potable water systems for any missing or incorrectly installed clamshell couplings, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective June 29, 2023. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 29, 2023. ADDRESSES: AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2022–1417; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For service information identified in this final rule, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717; website myboeingfleet.com. It is also available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2022–1417. • You may view this 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 at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 2022–1417. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Courtney Tuck, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206– 231–3986; email: Courtney.K.Tuck@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all The Boeing Company Model 787–8, 787–9, and 787–10 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 13, 2022 (87 FR 76158). The NPRM was prompted by E:\FR\FM\25MYR1.SGM 25MYR1 33824 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 101 / Thursday, May 25, 2023 / Rules and Regulations reports of a loss of water pressure during flight and water leaks that affected multiple pieces of electronic equipment. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a detailed visual inspection of all door 1 and door 3 lavatory and galley potable water systems for any missing or incorrectly installed clamshell couplings, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address incorrectly installed or missing lavatory and galley clamshell couplings that could lead to water leaks and water migration to critical flight equipment, which may affect the continued safe flight and landing of the airplane. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received a comment from Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change. The FAA received additional comments from four commenters, including American Airlines (AAL), Boeing, Turkish Technic, and All Nippon Airways. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 Request To Modify the Applicability of the Proposed AD AAL, Boeing, and All Nippon Airways requested that the applicability of the proposed AD be changed to include only airplanes listed in the effectivity of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–81205–SB380021–00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022, which does not include undelivered airplanes. The commenters stated that Boeing has taken several steps to prevent missing or misinstalled lavatory and galley clamshell couplings on airplanes not listed in the effectivity of the Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787– 81205–SB380021–00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022. A request for discrepancy check (RDC) was issued to inspect all stored airplanes as outlined in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–81205–SB380021–00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022, at the same door 1 and 3 locations. For future production airplanes, Quality Assurance (QA) verification of clamshell coupling installations has been added for lavatories (11/18/2019) and galleys (7/ 22/2022). As an alternative, if the proposed AD includes undelivered airplanes, All Nippon Airways requested that the compliance time be changed to 180 days after the date of issuance of the original standard VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:53 May 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 certificate of airworthiness or the original export certificate of airworthiness. The FAA agrees with the request to change the applicability to include only airplanes listed in the effectivity of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–81205–SB380021–00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022, for the reasons provided by the commenters. Paragraph (c) of this AD has been changed. Comment Regarding Insufficient Addressing of the Unsafe Condition AAL commented that the actions of the proposed AD do not sufficiently address the unsafe condition nor do they prevent reoccurrence when future maintenance is accomplished on the clamshell. AAL noted that the leaks are the result of improper installation by individual operators and not a design failure, according to the manufacturer, who has not recommended replacement of the couplings on the majority of the fleet. AAL asserted that the maintenance manual currently provides extensive details on proper installation of the coupling, and that an incorrectly installed coupling is not a latent failure, and is detectable prior to operation of the aircraft. AAL observed that the same couplings are installed on their Model 737 and 777 fleet with a high level of reliability and no recorded installation errors in the previous 12 months. The FAA partially agrees with the assertions of the commenter. As specified in the NPRM, this AD does not provide a long-term solution to fully address the unsafe condition, but is intended to be interim action that will adequately address leak events until an appropriate design change is developed and additional AD action is proposed. Part of the interim solution is updating the lavatory and galley Fleet Team Digest for missing or incorrectly installed couplings. In addition, maintenance procedures have been updated to correct errors and add tasks directing maintenance in areas where couplings are installed to return the area to its normal condition, which will include inspecting couplings for proper installation prior to leaving the area. Although the commenter asserts that incorrectly installed couplings are detectable, there have been several cases of a loss of water pressure during flight, as well as water leaks, discovered after landing, that caused water to migrate into the forward electronic equipment (EE) bay and affect multiple pieces of EE. The inspections or improved strapped coupling installations have not been completed on all affected airplanes yet, so the unsafe condition still exists PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 within the fleet. This AD will ensure that all couplings are inspected per the updated maintenance procedures and will ensure the safety of the entire fleet. The FAA has therefore determined that this AD is necessary to address the unsafe condition. The FAA has not changed this AD with regard to this comment. Request To Allow Alternative Service Information Boeing has issued Multi-Operator Message MOM–MOM–21–0554–01B, dated December 14, 2021 (for lavatory inspections), and MOM–MOM–22– 0229–01B, dated April 29, 2022 (for galley inspections). Turkish Technic asserted that the MOMs will address the unsafe condition identified in the proposed AD. The commenter reported that it had performed the actions specified in the MOMs, and subsequently Boeing issued Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–81205– SB380021–00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022, which indicates that no further action is necessary after accomplishment of the actions in the MOMs. The commenter considered the actions in the MOMs to satisfactorily complete the proposed requirements, and requested that the proposed AD be revised to add the MOMs as an alternative to Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–81205– SB380021–00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022, or alternatively, to provide credit for inspections previously complied as per the MOMs. The FAA agrees that inspections completed as specified in the MOMs address the unsafe condition. A paragraph has been added to this AD to provide credit for accomplishing the MOMs prior to the effective date of this AD. Conclusion The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–81205– SB380021–00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022. This service information specifies procedures for a E:\FR\FM\25MYR1.SGM 25MYR1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 101 / Thursday, May 25, 2023 / Rules and Regulations detailed visual inspection of all door 1 and door 3 lavatory and galley potable water systems for any missing or incorrectly installed clamshell couplings, and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include installing clamshell couplings, doing a leak test, and performing corrective actions until the leak test is passed. 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 ADDRESSES. Interim Action The FAA considers this AD an interim action. If a final action is later 33825 identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 134 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Detailed visual inspection (DVI) (per lavatory or galley). 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ................. The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. 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. The Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:53 May 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 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: ■ 2023–08–04 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39–22419; Docket No. FAA–2022–1417; Project Identifier AD– 2022–00731–T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 29, 2023. (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, as specified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787– 81205–SB380021–00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 38, Water/waste. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of a loss of water pressure during flight and water leaks that affected multiple pieces of electronic equipment. The FAA is issuing this AD to address incorrectly installed or missing lavatory and galley clamshell PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Cost per product Parts cost $0 $85 Cost on U.S. operators $11,390 couplings that could lead to water leaks and water migration to critical flight equipment, which may affect the continued safe flight and landing 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– SB380021–00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–81205– SB380021–00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022. Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–81205–SB380021–00, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–81205–SB380021–00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022. (h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications Where the Compliance Time columns of the table in the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787– 81205–SB380021–00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022, uses the phrase ‘‘the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787– 81205–SB380021–00 RB,’’ this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of this AD.’’ (i) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using MultiOperator Message MOM–MOM–21–0554– 01B, dated December 14, 2021 (for lavatory inspections); and MOM–MOM–22–0229– 01B, dated April 29, 2022 (for galley inspections). (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs E:\FR\FM\25MYR1.SGM 25MYR1 33826 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 101 / Thursday, May 25, 2023 / Rules and Regulations for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-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 responsible Flight Standards 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. (k) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Courtney Tuck, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3986; email: Courtney.K.Tuck@faa.gov. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 (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 the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–81205–SB380021–00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) 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; website myboeingfleet.com. (4) You may view this 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. (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, fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued on April 18, 2023. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–11091 Filed 5–24–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:53 May 24, 2023 Jkt 259001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2022–1558; Airspace Docket No. 22–AGL–11] RIN 2120–AA66 Amendment and Establishment of Air Traffic Service (ATS) Routes in the Vicinity of Devils Lake, ND Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This action amends Very High Frequency (VHF) Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways V–169, V– 170, and V–430, and Area Navigation (RNAV) route T–331; and establishes RNAV route T–475. The FAA is taking this action due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Devils Lake, ND (DVL), VOR/ Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/ DME) navigational aid (NAVAID). The Devils Lake VOR is being decommissioned in support of the FAA’s VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program. DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, August 10, 2023. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under 1 CFR part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order JO 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments. ADDRESSES: A copy of the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), all comments received, this final rule, and all background material may be viewed online at www.regulations.gov using the FAA Docket number. Electronic retrieval help and guidelines are available on the website. It is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. FAA Order JO 7400.11G, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/ publications/. You may also contact the Rules and Regulations Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Rules and Regulations Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Authority for This Rulemaking The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of the airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it modifies the Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes as necessary to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the National Airspace System (NAS). History The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking for Docket No. FAA–2022–1558 in the Federal Register (87 FR 76594; December 15, 2022), amending VOR Federal airways V–169, V–170, and V–430, and RNAV route T– 331; and establishing RNAV route T– 475 due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Devils Lake, ND, VOR/DME NAVAID. Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal. No comments were received. Differences From the NPRM Subsequent to the NPRM, the FAA published a rule for Docket No. FAA– 2023–0501 in the Federal Register (88 FR 30896; May 15, 2023), amending RNAV route T–331 by updating the Squaw Valley, CA, VOR/DME route point with its new name, the Palisades, CA, VOR/DME. That editorial amendment, effective August 10, 2023, does not affect the route alignment or structure and is included in this rule. Incorporation by Reference VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) and United States Area Navigation Routes (T-routes) are published in paragraph 6011 of FAA Order JO 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 on an annual basis. This document amends the current version of that order, FAA Order JO 7400.11G, dated August 19, 2022, and effective September 15, 2022. FAA Order JO 7400.11G is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. These amendments will be E:\FR\FM\25MYR1.SGM 25MYR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 101 (Thursday, May 25, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33823-33826]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-11091]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1417; Project Identifier AD-2022-00731-T; 
Amendment 39-22419; AD 2023-08-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. 
This AD was prompted by reports of a loss of water pressure during 
flight and water leaks that affected multiple pieces of electronic 
equipment. This AD requires a detailed visual inspection of all door 1 
and door 3 lavatory and galley potable water systems for any missing or 
incorrectly installed clamshell couplings, and applicable on-condition 
actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 29, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 29, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1417; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other 
information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data 
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; website myboeingfleet.com. It is 
also available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket 
No. FAA-2022-1417.
     You may view this 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 at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1417.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Courtney Tuck, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-
231-3986; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all The Boeing Company 
Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on December 13, 2022 (87 FR 76158). The NPRM was 
prompted by

[[Page 33824]]

reports of a loss of water pressure during flight and water leaks that 
affected multiple pieces of electronic equipment. In the NPRM, the FAA 
proposed to require a detailed visual inspection of all door 1 and door 
3 lavatory and galley potable water systems for any missing or 
incorrectly installed clamshell couplings, and applicable on-condition 
actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address incorrectly installed or 
missing lavatory and galley clamshell couplings that could lead to 
water leaks and water migration to critical flight equipment, which may 
affect the continued safe flight and landing of the airplane.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received a comment from Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.
    The FAA received additional comments from four commenters, 
including American Airlines (AAL), Boeing, Turkish Technic, and All 
Nippon Airways. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Modify the Applicability of the Proposed AD

    AAL, Boeing, and All Nippon Airways requested that the 
applicability of the proposed AD be changed to include only airplanes 
listed in the effectivity of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB380021-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022, which does not 
include undelivered airplanes. The commenters stated that Boeing has 
taken several steps to prevent missing or misinstalled lavatory and 
galley clamshell couplings on airplanes not listed in the effectivity 
of the Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB380021-00 RB, 
Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022. A request for discrepancy check (RDC) 
was issued to inspect all stored airplanes as outlined in Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB380021-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
August 12, 2022, at the same door 1 and 3 locations. For future 
production airplanes, Quality Assurance (QA) verification of clamshell 
coupling installations has been added for lavatories (11/18/2019) and 
galleys (7/22/2022). As an alternative, if the proposed AD includes 
undelivered airplanes, All Nippon Airways requested that the compliance 
time be changed to 180 days after the date of issuance of the original 
standard certificate of airworthiness or the original export 
certificate of airworthiness.
    The FAA agrees with the request to change the applicability to 
include only airplanes listed in the effectivity of Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB380021-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
August 12, 2022, for the reasons provided by the commenters. Paragraph 
(c) of this AD has been changed.

Comment Regarding Insufficient Addressing of the Unsafe Condition

    AAL commented that the actions of the proposed AD do not 
sufficiently address the unsafe condition nor do they prevent 
reoccurrence when future maintenance is accomplished on the clamshell. 
AAL noted that the leaks are the result of improper installation by 
individual operators and not a design failure, according to the 
manufacturer, who has not recommended replacement of the couplings on 
the majority of the fleet. AAL asserted that the maintenance manual 
currently provides extensive details on proper installation of the 
coupling, and that an incorrectly installed coupling is not a latent 
failure, and is detectable prior to operation of the aircraft. AAL 
observed that the same couplings are installed on their Model 737 and 
777 fleet with a high level of reliability and no recorded installation 
errors in the previous 12 months.
    The FAA partially agrees with the assertions of the commenter. As 
specified in the NPRM, this AD does not provide a long-term solution to 
fully address the unsafe condition, but is intended to be interim 
action that will adequately address leak events until an appropriate 
design change is developed and additional AD action is proposed. Part 
of the interim solution is updating the lavatory and galley Fleet Team 
Digest for missing or incorrectly installed couplings. In addition, 
maintenance procedures have been updated to correct errors and add 
tasks directing maintenance in areas where couplings are installed to 
return the area to its normal condition, which will include inspecting 
couplings for proper installation prior to leaving the area. Although 
the commenter asserts that incorrectly installed couplings are 
detectable, there have been several cases of a loss of water pressure 
during flight, as well as water leaks, discovered after landing, that 
caused water to migrate into the forward electronic equipment (EE) bay 
and affect multiple pieces of EE. The inspections or improved strapped 
coupling installations have not been completed on all affected 
airplanes yet, so the unsafe condition still exists within the fleet. 
This AD will ensure that all couplings are inspected per the updated 
maintenance procedures and will ensure the safety of the entire fleet. 
The FAA has therefore determined that this AD is necessary to address 
the unsafe condition. The FAA has not changed this AD with regard to 
this comment.

Request To Allow Alternative Service Information

    Boeing has issued Multi-Operator Message MOM-MOM-21-0554-01B, dated 
December 14, 2021 (for lavatory inspections), and MOM-MOM-22-0229-01B, 
dated April 29, 2022 (for galley inspections). Turkish Technic asserted 
that the MOMs will address the unsafe condition identified in the 
proposed AD. The commenter reported that it had performed the actions 
specified in the MOMs, and subsequently Boeing issued Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB380021-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
August 12, 2022, which indicates that no further action is necessary 
after accomplishment of the actions in the MOMs. The commenter 
considered the actions in the MOMs to satisfactorily complete the 
proposed requirements, and requested that the proposed AD be revised to 
add the MOMs as an alternative to Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB380021-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022, or 
alternatively, to provide credit for inspections previously complied as 
per the MOMs.
    The FAA agrees that inspections completed as specified in the MOMs 
address the unsafe condition. A paragraph has been added to this AD to 
provide credit for accomplishing the MOMs prior to the effective date 
of this AD.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and 
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed 
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on 
any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB380021-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022. This service 
information specifies procedures for a

[[Page 33825]]

detailed visual inspection of all door 1 and door 3 lavatory and galley 
potable water systems for any missing or incorrectly installed 
clamshell couplings, and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition 
actions include installing clamshell couplings, doing a leak test, and 
performing corrective actions until the leak test is passed.
    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 ADDRESSES.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD an interim action. If a final action is 
later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 134 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed visual inspection (DVI) (per   1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85         $11,390
 lavatory or galley).                    hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost 
estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

2023-08-04 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22419; Docket No. FAA-
2022-1417; Project Identifier AD-2022-00731-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 29, 2023.

(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, as specified in 
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB380021-00 RB, Issue 
001, dated August 12, 2022.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 38, Water/waste.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of a loss of water pressure 
during flight and water leaks that affected multiple pieces of 
electronic equipment. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
incorrectly installed or missing lavatory and galley clamshell 
couplings that could lead to water leaks and water migration to 
critical flight equipment, which may affect the continued safe 
flight and landing 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-SB380021-00 RB, Issue 001, 
dated August 12, 2022, do all applicable actions identified in, and 
in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB380021-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
August 12, 2022.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions 
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB380021-00, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022, which is 
referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB380021-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    Where the Compliance Time columns of the table in the 
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB380021-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022, uses the 
phrase ``the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB380021-00 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of 
this AD.''

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Multi-Operator Message MOM-MOM-21-
0554-01B, dated December 14, 2021 (for lavatory inspections); and 
MOM-MOM-22-0229-01B, dated April 29, 2022 (for galley inspections).

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs

[[Page 33826]]

for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your 
principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (k) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Courtney Tuck, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, 
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
phone and fax: 206-231-3986; email: [email protected].

(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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB380021-00 
RB, Issue 001, dated August 12, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) 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; website myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (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, [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on April 18, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-11091 Filed 5-24-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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