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


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

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


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

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

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; 
telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may 
view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It 
is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0114.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0114; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 
800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

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

Discussion

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

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB780033-00, 
Issue 001, dated November 1, 2017. This service information describes 
procedures for an inspection to determine the part number of the IFS 
forward upper fire seal and applicable on-condition actions. This 
service information is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

[[Page 8018]]

FAA's Determination

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

Proposed AD Requirements

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

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

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

Costs of Compliance

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

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.........................  8 work-hours x $85 per hour              $0            $680          $8,840
                                      = $680.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition 
actions that would be required. We have no way of determining the 
number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

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

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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

[[Page 8019]]

Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

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

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

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 9, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

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

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

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

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

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

(h) Parts Installation Prohibition

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

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request 
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District 
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be 
emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be approved, 
the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation 
must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval 
must specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as RC, the provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) of this 
AD apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the 
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is 
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and 
identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(j) Related Information

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

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


