Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 43344-43347 [2024-10299]

Download as PDF 43344 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 97 / Friday, May 17, 2024 / Proposed Rules (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. (f) Compliance List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 For the purposes of this AD: (1) An ‘‘affected part’’ is a main landing gear (MLG), nose landing gear (NLG), or component identified in Table 1, 2, or 3 of Section 6 in Britten-Norman SB 298, Issue 3, dated July 7, 2023 (Britten-Norman SB 298, Issue 3). (2) A ‘‘part eligible for installation’’ is an MLG, NLG, or component with a part that has been established to be below the associated fatigue life identified in Table 1, 2, or 3 of Section 6 in Britten-Norman SB 298, Issue 3. 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. [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ Britten-Norman Aerospace Ltd.: Docket No. FAA–2024–1299; Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00237–A. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by July 1, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to certain Britten-Norman Aerospace Ltd. airplanes fitted with Fairey Hydraulics Ltd or Britten-Norman Aircraft landing gear and associated landing gear components, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD. (1) Model BN–2, BN–2A, BN–2A–2, BN– 2A–3, BN–2A–6, BN–2A–8, BN–2A–9, BN– 2A–20, BN–2A–21, BN–2A–26, BN–2A–27, BN–2B–20, BN–2B–21, BN–2B–26, BN–2B– 27, BN–2T, BN2T–4R, and BN2T–4S airplanes. (2) Model BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III–2, and BN2A MK. III–3 airplanes. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3200, Landing Gear System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by the determination that in order to ensure the continued structural integrity of certain landing gear and associated components, it is necessary to require removal of these components from service prior to exceeding established fatigue lives. Exceeding the established fatigue life, if not addressed, could result in failure of the structural integrity of the landing gear, which could result in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:04 May 16, 2024 Jkt 262001 (g) Definitions (h) Required Actions ■ § 39.13 Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, determine the number of landings accumulated on the affected parts. (2) Before accumulating the number of landings (fatigue life) associated with the applicable affected part as identified in Table 1, 2, or 3 of Section 6 in Britten-Norman SB 298, Issue 3, or within the next 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace any affected part with a part eligible for installation. (3) Thereafter, replace any affected part with a part eligible for installation before accumulating the fatigue life, as identified in Table 1, 2, or 3 of Section 6 in BrittenNorman SB 298, Issue 3. (4) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a MLG, NLG, or associated component unless it is a part eligible for installation. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 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) Britten-Norman Service Bulletin SB 298, Issue 3, dated July 7, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information, contact BrittenNorman Aerospace Ltd., Bembridge Airport, Bembridge, Isle of Wight, UK, PO35 5PR; phone: +44 20 3371 4000; email: customer.support@britten-norman.com; website: britten-norman.com/approvalstechnical-publications. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on May 7, 2024. James D. Foltz, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024–10295 Filed 5–16–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) Federal Aviation Administration The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD or email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. If mailing information, also submit information by email. 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. 14 CFR Part 39 (j) Additional Information (1) Refer to United Kingdom (UK) Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) AD G–2023–0001, dated February 8, 2023, for related information. This UK CAA AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2024–1299. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Penelope Trease, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (303) 342– 1094; email: penelope.trease@faa.gov. PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 [Docket No. FAA–2024–1301; Project Identifier AD–2024–00035–T] 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 certain The Boeing Company Model 787–9 and 787–10 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that some floor beam side-of-body fittings have been manufactured with an incorrect material type. This proposed AD would require replacing the incorrectly manufactured floor beam side-of-body fittings, inspecting the fuselage frame and fastener holes for damage, and repairing any damage. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\17MYP1.SGM 17MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 97 / Friday, May 17, 2024 / Proposed Rules The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 1, 2024. 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 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. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2024–1301; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For service information, 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. • 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– 2024–1301. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Hodgin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206– 231–3962; email: Joseph.J.Hodgin@ faa.gov. DATES: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS 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 ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2024–1301; Project Identifier AD– 2024–00035–T’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:04 May 16, 2024 Jkt 262001 date and may amend this proposal because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. Confidential Business Information CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Joseph Hodgin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206–231–3962; email: Joseph.J.Hodgin@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background The FAA has received reports that some floor beam side-of-body fittings have been manufactured with an incorrect material type between station 1233 and station 1593. The incorrect material type is a grade 1 or 2 commercially pure unalloyed titanium, which has significantly reduced strength, fatigue, and damage-tolerance properties compared to the type design grade 5 Ti-6AI–4V material. The discrepant floor beam side-of-body fitting part numbers are installed on Model 787–9 and –10 airplanes. This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the fittings. The failure of multiple adjacent fittings may lead to inability of the surrounding principal structure elements to sustain limit loads and damage to critical systems under the floor; these conditions could cause loss of control of the airplane. Additionally, in the event PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 43345 of an emergency landing or full certified rapid decompression, failure of multiple adjacent fittings could result in the inability of the passenger floor grid to maintain the loads and could result in serious injury or impeded egress for passengers. FAA’s Determination The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–81205– SB530084–00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 8, 2023. This service information specifies performing an Xray fluorescence spectrometer inspection of the floor beam side-ofbody fittings between station 1233 and station 1593 to determine whether the fitting was manufactured with type design grade 5 Ti-6AI–4V material. Alternatively, operators may replace all floor beam side-of-body fittings between station 1233 and station 1593 with fittings made of the correct material without performing an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer inspection. For any floor beam side-of-body fitting that needs replacement, this service information specifies inspecting the fuselage frame and fastener holes for damage, repairing any damage, and installing a floor beam side-of-body fitting made of the correct material. 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. Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information already described, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this service information at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2024–1301. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 60 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: E:\FR\FM\17MYP1.SGM 17MYP1 43346 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 97 / Friday, May 17, 2024 / Proposed Rules ESTIMATED COSTS—OPTION 1 Action Labor cost X-ray fluorescence spectrometer inspection to determine material type. 77 work-hours × $85 per hour = $6,545. Cost per airplane Parts cost $0 Cost on U.S. operators $6,545 Up to $392,700. ESTIMATED COSTS—OPTION 2 Action Labor cost Replace all affected floor beam side-of-body fittings and inspect for damage. 527 work-hours × $85 per hour = $44,795 .................. The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacements that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of Parts cost $218,250 Cost per airplane $263,045 aircraft that might need this replacement: ON-CONDITION COSTS FOR OPTION 1 Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per fitting Replace floor beam side-of-body fitting and inspect for damage (per fitting). 18 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,530 ...................... $8,730 $10,260 The extent of damage found during the inspection done when the fittings are replaced could vary significantly from airplane to airplane. The FAA has no way of determining how much damage may be found on each airplane, the cost to repair damaged parts on each airplane, or the number of airplanes that may require repair. The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected operators. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:04 May 16, 2024 Jkt 262001 unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Regulatory Findings PO 00000 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Sfmt 4702 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: ■ The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2024–1301; Project Identifier AD–2024– 00035–T. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by July 1, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787–9 and 787–10 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787– 81205–SB530084–00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 8, 2023. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports that some floor beam side-of-body fittings have been manufactured with an incorrect material type between station 1233 and station 1593. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the floor beam side-of-body fittings that do not meet type design and prevent E:\FR\FM\17MYP1.SGM 17MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 97 / Friday, May 17, 2024 / Proposed Rules failure of the fittings. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in the inability of the surrounding principal structure elements to sustain limit loads and in damage to critical systems under the floor; these conditions could cause loss of control of the airplane. Additionally, in the event of an emergency landing or full certified rapid decompression, failure of multiple adjacent fittings could result in the inability of the passenger floor grid to maintain the loads and could result in serious injury or impeded egress for passengers. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (j) Related Information (g) Required Actions Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: At the applicable times specified in the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–81205– SB530084–00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 8, 2023, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–81205– SB530084–00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 8, 2023. Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787–81205–SB530084–00, Issue 001, dated December 8, 2023, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–81205–SB530084–00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 8, 2023. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS (h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications (1) Where the ‘‘Boeing Recommended Compliance Time’’ column in the tables under the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–81205– SB530084–00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 8, 2023, refers to ‘‘the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787–81205– SB530084–00 RB,’’ this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–81205–SB530084–00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 8, 2023, specifies contacting Boeing for repair instructions, this AD requires doing the repair before further flight using a method approved in accordance with the procedures in paragraph (i) of this AD. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: AMOC@ faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:04 May 16, 2024 Jkt 262001 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, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (1) For more information about this AD, contact Joseph Hodgin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206–231–3962; email: Joseph.J.Hodgin@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference, 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. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 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–SB530084–00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 8, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information, 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 material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on May 7, 2024. James D. Foltz, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024–10299 Filed 5–16–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 43347 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2024–1361; Airspace Docket No. 24–ANE–05] RIN 2120–AA66 Revocation of Class E Airspace; Manchester, NH Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to remove Class E surface airspace for Manchester Boston Regional Airport, Manchester, NH, as the overlying Class C airspace deems the Class E surface airspace unnecessary. DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 1, 2024. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA–2024–1361 and Airspace Docket No. 24–ANE–05 using any of the following methods: * Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. * Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M–30; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12–140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590–0001. * Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for Federal holidays. * Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493–2251. Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions for accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for Federal holidays. FAA Order JO 7400.11H 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. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\17MYP1.SGM 17MYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 97 (Friday, May 17, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43344-43347]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-10299]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-1301; Project Identifier AD-2024-00035-T]
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 certain The Boeing Company Model 787-9 and 787-10 airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports that some floor beam side-of-body 
fittings have been manufactured with an incorrect material type. This 
proposed AD would require replacing the incorrectly manufactured floor 
beam side-of-body fittings, inspecting the fuselage frame and fastener 
holes for damage, and repairing any damage. The FAA is proposing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[[Page 43345]]


DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 1, 
2024.

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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-1301; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this NPRM, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information, 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.
     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-2024-1301.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Hodgin, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3962; 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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-1301; Project Identifier 
AD-2024-00035-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
Joseph Hodgin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3962; email: [email protected]. 
Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically 
designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this 
rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA has received reports that some floor beam side-of-body 
fittings have been manufactured with an incorrect material type between 
station 1233 and station 1593. The incorrect material type is a grade 1 
or 2 commercially pure unalloyed titanium, which has significantly 
reduced strength, fatigue, and damage-tolerance properties compared to 
the type design grade 5 Ti-6AI-4V material. The discrepant floor beam 
side-of-body fitting part numbers are installed on Model 787-9 and -10 
airplanes.
    This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the 
fittings. The failure of multiple adjacent fittings may lead to 
inability of the surrounding principal structure elements to sustain 
limit loads and damage to critical systems under the floor; these 
conditions could cause loss of control of the airplane. Additionally, 
in the event of an emergency landing or full certified rapid 
decompression, failure of multiple adjacent fittings could result in 
the inability of the passenger floor grid to maintain the loads and 
could result in serious injury or impeded egress for passengers.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB530084-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 8, 2023. This service 
information specifies performing an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer 
inspection of the floor beam side-of-body fittings between station 1233 
and station 1593 to determine whether the fitting was manufactured with 
type design grade 5 Ti-6AI-4V material. Alternatively, operators may 
replace all floor beam side-of-body fittings between station 1233 and 
station 1593 with fittings made of the correct material without 
performing an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer inspection. For any floor 
beam side-of-body fitting that needs replacement, this service 
information specifies inspecting the fuselage frame and fastener holes 
for damage, repairing any damage, and installing a floor beam side-of-
body fitting made of the correct material.
    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.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information already described, except for any 
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this 
proposed AD. For information on the procedures and compliance times, 
see this service information at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-
2024-1301.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 60 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following 
costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 43346]]



                                            Estimated Costs--Option 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Cost per          Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost         Parts cost       airplane           operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
X-ray fluorescence spectrometer     77 work-hours x $85                $0          $6,545  Up to $392,700.
 inspection to determine material    per hour = $6,545.
 type.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                            Estimated Costs--Option 2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost       airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace all affected floor beam side-of-body    527 work-hours x $85 per hour =         $218,250        $263,045
 fittings and inspect for damage.                $44,795.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacements that 
would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. The 
agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
this replacement:

                                         On-Condition Costs for Option 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        fitting
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace floor beam side-of-body fitting and    18 work-hours x $85 per hour =           $8,730          $10,260
 inspect for damage (per fitting).              $1,530.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The extent of damage found during the inspection done when the 
fittings are replaced could vary significantly from airplane to 
airplane. The FAA has no way of determining how much damage may be 
found on each airplane, the cost to repair damaged parts on each 
airplane, or the number of airplanes that may require repair.
    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this 
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost 
impact on affected operators.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2024-1301; Project Identifier AD-
2024-00035-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by July 1, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-9 and 787-10 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530084-00 RB, Issue 001, 
dated December 8, 2023.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that some floor beam side-of-
body fittings have been manufactured with an incorrect material type 
between station 1233 and station 1593. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the floor beam side-of-body fittings that do not meet type 
design and prevent

[[Page 43347]]

failure of the fittings. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in the inability of the surrounding principal structure 
elements to sustain limit loads and in damage to critical systems 
under the floor; these conditions could cause loss of control of the 
airplane. Additionally, in the event of an emergency landing or full 
certified rapid decompression, failure of multiple adjacent fittings 
could result in the inability of the passenger floor grid to 
maintain the loads and could result in serious injury or impeded 
egress for passengers.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: At the 
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530084-00 RB, Issue 001, 
dated December 8, 2023, do all applicable actions identified in, and 
in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530084-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
December 8, 2023.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions 
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB530084-00, Issue 001, dated December 8, 2023, which is 
referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB530084-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 8, 2023.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where the ``Boeing Recommended Compliance Time'' column in 
the tables under the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530084-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
December 8, 2023, refers to ``the Issue 001 date of Requirements 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB530084-00 RB,'' this AD requires using the 
effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB530084-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 8, 2023, specifies 
contacting Boeing for repair instructions, this AD requires doing 
the repair before further flight using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures in paragraph (i) of this AD.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or 
responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the 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 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, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, to make those 
findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, 
or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the 
airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Joseph Hodgin, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 
98198; phone: 206-231-3962; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference, 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.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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-SB530084-00 
RB, Issue 001, dated December 8, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information, 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 material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on May 7, 2024.
James D. Foltz,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-10299 Filed 5-16-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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