[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 85 (Thursday, May 2, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18707-18711]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-08916]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0763; Product Identifier 2018-NM-052-AD; Amendment 
39-19626; AD 2019-08-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by a determination that certain areas in the tire/wheel threat 
zones could be susceptible to damage, which could result in loss of 
braking on one main landing gear (MLG) truck, loss of nose wheel 
steering, and loss of directional control on the ground when below 
rudder effectiveness speed. This AD requires installing hydraulic 
tubing, a pressure-operated check valve, and new flight control 
software. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 6, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 6, 2019.

ADDRESSES: 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; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this 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-
0763.

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-
0763; 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, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly McGuckin, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 
216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3546; email: 
Kelly.McGuckin@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on August 31, 2018 (83 FR 44508). The NPRM was prompted by a 
determination that certain areas in the tire/wheel threat zones could 
be susceptible to damage, which could result in loss of braking on one 
MLG truck, loss of nose wheel steering, and loss of directional control 
on the ground when below rudder effectiveness speed.

[[Page 18708]]

The NPRM proposed to require installing hydraulic tubing, a pressure-
operated check valve, and new flight control software.
    We are issuing this AD to address damage from a MLG thrown tire 
tread or tire burst event, which could result in loss of directional 
control on the ground and consequent runway excursion.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) stated it 
agrees with the intent of the NPRM. Boeing stated it concurs with the 
contents of the NPRM.

Request To Include Service Information Notice in Paragraph (g)(1) of 
the Proposed AD

    American Airlines asked that Boeing Information Notice B787-A-29-
00-0032-01A-931E-D, Issue 001, dated June 12, 2018, be added to 
paragraph (g)(1) of the proposed AD as an additional source of service 
information for accomplishing the required actions. American Airlines 
stated that the information notice contains corrections to Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB290032-00, Issue 001, dated November 17, 
2017, including to the aircraft configuration and accomplishment 
instructions. American Airlines added that, as written, the proposed AD 
would require an alternative method of compliance for operators to 
accomplish the modification following the instructions in this service 
information.
    We agree to address the corrections in Boeing Information Notice 
B787-A-29-00-0032-01A-931E-D, Issue 001, dated June 12, 2018, in this 
AD. Boeing has issued Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB290032-00, Issue 002, dated February 1, 2019, which includes the 
corrections and clarifications specified in Boeing Information Notice 
B787-A-29-00-0032-01A-931E-D, Issue 001, dated June 12, 2018. We have 
determined these corrections and clarifications to the service 
information do not change the substantive requirements of this AD but 
rather make the requirements more accurate and understandable. We have 
further determined that Issue 002 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB290032-00 does not require additional work for airplanes 
on which the actions specified in Issue 001 have been done.
    Therefore, we revised the ``Related Service Information under 1 CFR 
part 51'' paragraph of this final rule, and paragraphs (c)(1) and 
(g)(1) of this AD, to refer to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-
81205-SB290032-00 Issue 002, dated February 1, 2019. We also provide 
credit in this AD for using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB290032-00, Issue 001, dated November 17, 2017; and for using Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB290032-00, Issue 001, dated 
November 17, 2017, in conjunction with Boeing Information Notice B787-
A-29-00-0032-01A-931E-D, Issue 001, dated June 12, 2018.

Request To Address Service Information Errors

    Japan Airlines requested that we refer to a revised service 
bulletin to address two errors found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB290033-00, Issue 001, dated November 17, 2017. Japan 
Airlines stated that there are incorrect part numbers in multiple 
locations in Figure 10 and Figure 11. Japan Airlines stated it 
contacted Boeing to correct the errors, and Boeing stated that a 
revision was in work.
    We agree we should address the errors identified by the commenter 
in this AD. We have confirmed the errors with Boeing; however, Boeing 
has not yet issued revised service information. We have included the 
corrections to the service information, including the part number 
corrections identified by the commenter, as exceptions in this AD.

Request To Include Credit for Service Information Notice for Paragraph 
(g)(2) of the Proposed AD

    United Airlines asked that Boeing Information Notice B787-A-27-00-
0039-01A-931E-D, Issue 001, dated September 7, 2017, be approved as an 
additional source of service information for accomplishing the required 
actions (in paragraph (g)(2) of the proposed AD). United Airlines 
stated that the information notice contains corrections to Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270039-00, Issue 001, dated July 31, 
2017, but noted the required software part numbers did not change.
    We agree with the commenter since the information notice provides 
the correct software location identification for a couple of steps and 
refers to an alternative method of compliance to a different AD. We 
have provided credit in this AD for using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB270039-00, Issue 001, dated July 31, 2017, in conjunction 
with Boeing Information Notice B787-A-27-00-0039-01A-931E-D, Issue 001, 
dated September 7, 2017.

Change to Paragraph (g)(2) of This AD

    Paragraph (g)(2) of the proposed AD specifies to install new 
software as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB270039-00, Issue 002, dated March 8, 2018, for certain Model 787-9 
airplanes. In addition to the software identified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270039-00, Issue 002, dated March 8, 
2018, we have determined that later-approved software versions are 
acceptable for compliance, provided those later-approved versions meet 
certain conditions. We have revised paragraph (g)(2) of this AD to 
allow later-approved software versions.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule with the changes described previously and minor 
editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletins B787-81205-SB290032-00, 
Issue 002, dated February 1, 2019, and B787-81205-SB290033-00, Issue 
001, dated November 17, 2017. This service information describes 
procedures for installing hydraulic tubing and installing a pressure-
operated check valve. These documents are distinct since they apply to 
different airplane models.
    We also reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270039-
00, Issue 002, dated March 8, 2018. This service information describes 
procedures for installing new flight control software.
    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 18709]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 87 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Number of
            Action                 Labor cost       Parts cost       Cost per        affected      Cost on U.S.
                                                                      product        airplanes       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tubing and Pressure-operated    37 work-hours x          $55,940         $59,085               7        $413,595
 Check Valve installation for    $85 per hour =
 Model 787-8 airplanes (Groups   $3,145.
 1 and 3).
Tubing and Pressure-operated    36 work-hours x           55,940          59,000               0               0
 Check Valve installation for    $85 per hour =
 Model 787-8 airplanes (Group    $3,060.
 2).
Tubing and Pressure-operated    33 work-hours x           55,940          58,745              47       2,761,015
 Check Valve installation for    $85 per hour =
 Model 787-8 airplanes (Groups   $2,805.
 4 through 6).
Tubing and Pressure-operated    36 work-hours x           55,940          59,000              33       1,947,000
 Check Valve installation for    $85 per hour =
 Model 787-9 airplanes (Groups   $3,060.
 1 through 4).
Software installation for       2 work-hours x                 0             170              33           5,610
 Model 787-9 airplanes.          $85 per hour =
                                 $170.
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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 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 and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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

Adoption of 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 (AD):

2019-08-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19626; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0763; Product Identifier 2018-NM-052-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective June 6, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes, certificated in 
any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this 
AD.
    (1) Model 787-8 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB290032-00, Issue 002, dated February 1, 2019.
    (2) Model 787-9 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB290033-00, Issue 001, dated November 17, 2017.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29, Hydraulic 
Power.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that certain areas in 
the tire/wheel threat zones could be susceptible to damage, which 
could result in loss of braking on one main landing gear (MLG) 
truck, loss of nose wheel steering, and loss of directional control 
on the ground when below rudder effectiveness speed. We are issuing 
this AD to address damage from a MLG thrown tire tread or tire burst 
event, which could result in loss of directional control on the 
ground and consequent runway excursion.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) At the applicable time specified in paragraph 5., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB290032-00, Issue 002, dated February 1, 2019 (for Model 787-8 
airplanes); or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB290033-00, 
Issue

[[Page 18710]]

001, dated November 17, 2017 (for Model 787-9 airplanes); except as 
specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD: Do all applicable actions 
identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in, and in accordance 
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB290032-00, Issue 002, dated February 1, 2019; 
or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB290033-00, Issue 001, 
dated November 17, 2017, as applicable; except as specified in 
paragraphs (h)(2) through (h)(8) of this AD.
    (2) For Model 787-9 airplanes: Prior to or concurrently with 
accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, 
do all applicable actions (including software installation) 
identified as RC in and, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270039-
00, Issue 002, dated March 8, 2018; except where Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270039-00, Issue 002, dated March 8, 
2018, specifies installing required software, this AD requires 
installing that software or later-approved software versions. Later-
approved software versions are only those Boeing software versions 
that are approved as a replacement for the applicable software, and 
are approved as part of the type design by the FAA or the Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) 
after issuance of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270039-
00, Issue 002, dated March 8, 2018.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information

    (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where the service information identified in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD uses the phrase ``the Issue 001 date on [/of] this 
service bulletin'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of 
this AD.''
    (2) Where step 8 in Table 1 of Task 12 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB290033-
00, Issue 001, dated November 17, 2017, identifies the part as 
``652Z1591-95,'' use part ``652Z1591-764.''
    (3) Where step 10 in Table 1 of Task 12 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB290033-
00, Issue 001, dated November 17, 2017, identifies the part as 
``652Z1591-94,'' use part ``652Z1591-95.''
    (4) Where step 11 in Table 1 of Task 12 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB290033-
00, Issue 001, dated November 17, 2017, identifies the part as 
``652Z1591-764,'' use part ``652Z1591-94.''
    (5) Where step 12 in Table 1 of Task 12 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB290033-
00, Issue 001, dated November 17, 2017, identifies the part as 
``658Z1593-48,'' use part ``BACC10MU06100000EP1.''
    (6) Where step 12 in Table 1 of Task 12 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB290033-
00, Issue 001, dated November 17, 2017, identifies the part as 
``BACS47H3370G200K,'' use part ``BACS47H2370G200K.''
    (7) Where step 12 in Table 1 of Task 13 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB290033-
00, Issue 001, dated November 17, 2017, identifies the part as 
``658Z1593-48,'' use part ``BACC10MU06100000EP1.''
    (8) Where step 12 in Table 1 of Task 13 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB290033-
00, Issue 001, dated November 17, 2017, identifies the part as 
``BACS47H3370G200K,'' use part ``BACS47H2370G200K.''

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB290032-00, Issue 001, dated November 17, 2017.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB290032-00, Issue 001, dated November 17, 2017, in 
conjunction with Boeing Information Notice B787-A-29-00-0032-01A-
931E-D, Issue 001, dated June 12, 2018.
    (3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB270039-00, Issue 001, dated July 31, 2017.
    (4) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB270039-00, Issue 001, dated July 31, 2017, in 
conjunction with Boeing Information Notice B787-A-27-00-0039-01A-
931E-D, Issue 001, dated September 7, 2017.

(j) 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 (k)(1) of this AD. Information may be 
emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 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.
    (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as RC, the provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (j)(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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kelly McGuckin, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 
206-231-3546; email: Kelly.McGuckin@faa.gov.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.

(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 Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270039-00, Issue 
002, dated March 8, 2018.
    (ii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB290032-00, Issue 
002, dated February 1, 2019.
    (iii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB290033-00, 
Issue 001, dated November 17, 2017.
    (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; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.


[[Page 18711]]


    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on April 17, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-08916 Filed 5-1-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


