[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 44 (Monday, March 7, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12561-12565]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-04662]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0664; Project Identifier AD-2021-00158-T; 
Amendment 39-21938; AD 2022-03-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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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 significant changes, including new or more 
restrictive requirements, made to the airworthiness limitations (AWLs) 
related to fuel tank ignition prevention and the nitrogen generation 
system. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 11, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 11, 
2022.

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, 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 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0664.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0664; 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.

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:

Background

    The FAA 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, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on October 6, 2021 (86 FR 55538). The NPRM was 
prompted by significant changes, including new or more restrictive 
requirements, made to the AWLs related to fuel tank ignition prevention 
and the nitrogen generation system. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to 
require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address ignition sources 
inside the fuel tanks and increased flammability exposure of the fuel 
tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance 
actions, which could result in a fuel

[[Page 12562]]

tank explosion and consequent loss of an airplane.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA) and United Airlines who supported the NPRM without 
change.
    The FAA received additional comments from two commenters, including 
Boeing and American Airlines (AA). The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Clarify Applicability

    Boeing asked for clarification that the applicability specified in 
the proposed AD is the same as the effectivity specified in the 
referenced service information. Boeing stated that the effectivity in 
the service information mandated by the proposed AD does not apply to 
Model 787-8 airplanes having line numbers 1 through 5.
    The FAA agrees that this AD does not apply to Model 787-8 airplanes 
having line numbers 1 through 5. The FAA has changed paragraph (c) of 
this AD accordingly.

Request To Clarify Applicability for AWL No. 57-AWL-13

    Boeing and AA asked for clarification that the initial compliance 
time specified in paragraph (g)(11)(ii)(B) of the proposed AD is 
applicable only to Model 787 airplanes having line numbers 10, 13, and 
15 through 19 inclusive. Boeing stated that AWL No. 57-AWL-13 
explicitly identifies those specific line numbers instead of referring 
to Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB570030-00. AA stated that for 
airplanes not included in the effectivity of the referenced service 
bulletin, operators could misinterpret the actions required by 
paragraph (g)(11)(ii)(B) for those airplanes, regardless of the 
applicability specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-13.
    The FAA agrees that the initial compliance time specified in 
paragraph (g)(11)(ii)(B) of this AD is applicable only to Model 787 
airplanes having line numbers 10, 13, and 15 through 19 inclusive. The 
FAA has revised paragraph (g)(11)(ii)(B) accordingly.

Request To Clarify Applicability in Airworthiness Limitation 
Instruction (ALI)

    Boeing asked for clarification that the initial compliance time for 
performing an inspection in accordance with each ALI task specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (14) of the proposed AD is applicable only to 
the airplanes specified in the applicability of each ALI task. Boeing 
also asked for clarification that the proposed AD does not supersede 
the applicability of the ALI tasks. Boeing stated that each ALI task 
has a unique applicability, and some of these tasks only apply to a 
subset of the airplanes affected by the proposed AD.
    The FAA agrees to provide clarification. This AD requires 
incorporation of the service information into the maintenance or 
inspection program. After this action is done, compliance with each ALI 
or critical design configuration control limitation (CDCCL) task 
incorporated into the maintenance or inspection program is required by 
the operating rules in 14 CFR 91.403(c) and 43.16. This AD does not 
change or supersede any ALI or CDCCL task or its applicability. 
Compliance is based on the applicability specified in each ALI or CDCCL 
task. Therefore, the FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Clarify ``Recent Inspection''

    Boeing asked for clarification regarding a recent inspection 
referenced in the sub-paragraphs to paragraphs (g)(1) through (14) of 
the proposed AD. Boeing asked that the FAA clarify that a recent 
inspection performed on an airplane can be the inspection done in 
accordance with an ALI task of the existing maintenance or inspection 
program applicable to that airplane. Boeing stated that without 
clarification, its interpretation is that the initial inspections are 
required to be performed in accordance with the ALI tasks provided in 
the service information mandated by paragraph (g) of the AD.
    The FAA agrees to provide clarification. The initial compliance 
time specified in the sub-paragraphs to paragraph (g)(1) through (14) 
of this AD is the compliance time to perform the first inspection in 
accordance with each ALI task, after incorporation of the service 
information into the maintenance or inspection program as required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD. The ``most recent'' inspection referenced in 
those paragraphs is the inspection performed in accordance with an ALI 
task of the operator's existing maintenance or inspection program prior 
to incorporation of the service information mandated by paragraph (g) 
of this AD. Certain ALI tasks from the same or earlier revisions of the 
service information mandated by paragraph (g) of this AD should already 
exist in the maintenance or inspection program. The requirements of 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (14) of this AD are intended to address the 
transition to the ALI tasks after accomplishment of the actions 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, without disrupting the existing 
inspection intervals. Therefore, the FAA has not changed this AD in 
this regard.

Request To Extend Compliance Time

    Boeing asked that the compliance time to revise the maintenance/
inspection program required by paragraph (g) of the proposed AD be 
changed from 180 to 240 days. Boeing stated that the majority of the 
inspections require entry into a wet fuel cell to access and possibly 
repair structural sealant applications, at unique facilities and with 
significant aircraft downtime. Boeing added that an extension of the 
compliance time to 240 days would allow additional flexibility to 
operators. Boeing also asked whether an initial inspection done within 
180 days after the effective date of the AD must be performed in 
accordance with the service information mandated by this AD or if it is 
allowed to be performed under the existing maintenance or inspection 
program applicable to that airplane. Boeing stated that performing the 
initial inspection within 180 days after the effective date of the AD 
seems to conflict with the requirement to revise the maintenance or 
inspection program within 180 days after the effective date of the AD.
    The FAA does not agree to extend the compliance time to revise the 
maintenance/inspection program required by paragraph (g) of this AD 
from 180 to 240 days because the FAA has determined that this 
compliance time is adequate for operators to incorporate maintenance or 
inspection program changes for their affected fleet. The 180-day 
compliance time required by paragraph (g) is unrelated to the initial 
compliance time for performing the inspections in accordance with each 
ALI task specified in the service information mandated by this AD. 
Paragraph (g) requires incorporation of the service information into 
the maintenance or inspection program within 180 days after the 
effective date of this AD. Once the maintenance/inspection program has 
been revised, compliance with each ALI or CDCCL task of the maintenance 
or inspection program is required by the operating rules in 14 CFR 
91.403(c) and 43.16. For clarification, the initial compliance time to 
perform an inspection after incorporation of the service information 
into the maintenance or inspection program is specified in paragraphs 
(g)(1) through (14) of this AD. Therefore, the

[[Page 12563]]

FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Add Revision Level to a Certain Service Bulletin Reference

    AA asked that the FAA specify the revision level of Boeing Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB570030-00, referenced in paragraph (g)(11)(ii)(A) 
of the proposed AD. AA stated that specifying the revision level of the 
service bulletin will reduce any ambiguity for the requirements 
associated with that revision level.
    The FAA does not agree to include the revision level of Boeing 
Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB570030-00. Including the revision level 
of the referenced service bulletin could potentially conflict with 
another AD that mandates that service bulletin. Boeing Service Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB570030-00, Issue 001, dated March 17, 2017, is required by 
AD 2018-11-13, Amendment 39-19301 (83 FR 25894, June 5, 2018) (AD 2018-
11-13). If a later revision of that service bulletin is issued in the 
future as an (alternative method of compliance) AMOC to AD 2018-11-13, 
the actions in the later revision can be done equivalent to Issue 001. 
Specifying ``Issue 001 or later'' in paragraph (g)(11)(ii)(A) of this 
AD would make it consistent with the requirements in AD 2018-11-13; 
however, if AD 2018-11-13 must be superseded to mandate a later 
revision of the service bulletin, this AD would also have to be 
superseded if the revision level of the service bulletin is specified. 
Therefore, the FAA has determined that the revision level of the 
referenced service bulletin will not be included in this AD, and has 
not changed this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. 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 787 Special Compliance Items/Airworthiness 
Limitations, D011Z009-03-04, dated August 2018. This service 
information specifies AWLs that include ALIs and CDCCLs related to fuel 
tank ignition prevention and the nitrogen generation system. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 121 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
    The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, 
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator 
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection 
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined 
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane 
estimate. Therefore, the FAA estimates the average total cost per 
operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).

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:

2022-03-21 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21938; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0664; Project Identifier AD-2021-00158-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 11, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2018-11-13, Amendment 39-19301 (83 FR 25894, 
June 5, 2018) (AD 2018-11-13).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 
787-10 airplanes, certificated in any category, having line numbers 
(L/Ns) 6 through 871 inclusive, excluding L/N 688; and L/Ns 873, 
875, 877, 878, 879, 881, and 883.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by significant changes, including new and 
more restrictive requirements, made to the airworthiness limitations 
(AWLs) related to fuel tank ignition prevention and the nitrogen 
generation system. The FAA is issuing this AD to address ignition 
sources inside the fuel tanks and increased flammability exposure of 
the fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or 
maintenance actions, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and 
consequent loss of an airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Within 180 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
existing maintenance or

[[Page 12564]]

inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the information 
specified in Sections C through F of Boeing 787 Special Compliance 
Items/Airworthiness Limitations, D011Z009-03-04, dated August 2018. 
The initial compliance time for doing the airworthiness limitation 
instruction (ALI) tasks specified in Sections C through F of Boeing 
787 Special Compliance Items/Airworthiness Limitations, D011Z009-03-
04, dated August 2018, as applicable for each airplane, is at the 
times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (14) of this AD.
    (1) For AWL No. 28-AWL-89, ``Fuel Quantity Data Concentrator 
(FQDC) Bracket Inspections,'' at the applicable time in paragraph 
(g)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes on which an inspection was performed as 
specified in AWL No. 28-AWL-89: Within 5 years or 10,000 flight 
cycles, whichever occur first after the most recent inspection was 
performed as specified in AWL No. 28-AWL-89.
    (ii) For airplanes on which no initial inspection was performed: 
Within 5 years or 10,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first after 
the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness 
certificate or the date of issuance of the original export 
certificate of airworthiness.
    (2) For AWL No. 57-AWL-01, ``Edge and Fillet Seals at Stringer 
and Spar Locations (Zone 2),'' at the applicable time in paragraph 
(g)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes on which an inspection was performed as 
specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-01: Within 12 years or 24,000 flight 
cycles, whichever occurs first after the most recent inspection was 
performed as specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-01.
    (ii) For airplanes on which no initial inspection was performed: 
Within 12 years or 24,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first 
after the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness 
certificate or the date of issuance of the original export 
certificate of airworthiness.
    (3) For AWL No. 57-AWL-02, ``Fasteners on Bare Carbon Fiber 
Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) Stripes,'' at the applicable time in 
paragraph (g)(3)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes on which an inspection was performed as 
specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-02: Within 12 years or 24,000 flight 
cycles, whichever occurs first after the most recent inspection was 
performed as specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-02.
    (ii) For airplanes on which no initial inspection was performed: 
Within 12 years or 24,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first 
after the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness 
certificate or the date of issuance of the original export 
certificate of airworthiness.
    (4) For AWL No. 57-AWL-03, ``Head-in-tank Thin-Sleeved 
Interference-Fit Fasteners with Heads in the Fuel Tank'' at the 
applicable time in paragraph (g)(4)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes on which an inspection was performed as 
specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-03: Within 12 years or 24,000 flight 
cycles, whichever occurs first after the most recent inspection was 
performed as specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-03.
    (ii) For airplanes on which no initial inspection was performed: 
Within 12 years or 24,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first 
after the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness 
certificate or the date of issuance of the original export 
certificate of airworthiness.
    (5) For AWL No. 57-AWL-05, ``Titanium Collars--BACC30CT 
Fasteners (Clearance Fit).'' at the applicable time in paragraph 
(g)(5)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes on which an inspection was performed as 
specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-05: Within 12 years or 24,000 flight 
cycles, whichever occurs first after the most recent inspection was 
performed as specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-05.
    (ii) For airplanes on which no initial inspection was performed: 
Within 12 years or 24,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first 
after the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness 
certificate or the date of issuance of the original export 
certificate of airworthiness.
    (6) For AWL No. 57-AWL-06, ``Titanium Collars--BACC30CY Collars 
(Interference-Fit with Swaged Collars)'' at the applicable time in 
paragraph (g)(6)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes on which an inspection was performed as 
specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-06: Within 12 years or 24,000 flight 
cycles, whichever occurs first after the most recent inspection was 
performed as specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-06.
    (ii) For airplanes on which no initial inspection was performed: 
Within 12 years or 24,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first 
after the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness 
certificate or the date of issuance of the original export 
certificate of airworthiness.
    (7) For AWL No. 57-AWL-07, ``Tension-rated Bolt Locations at 
Side of Body (SOB) and Nacelle Fittings'' at the applicable time in 
paragraph (g)(7)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes on which an inspection was performed as 
specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-07: Within 12 years or 24,000 flight 
cycles, whichever occurs first after the most recent inspection was 
performed as specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-07.
    (ii) For airplanes on which no initial inspection was performed: 
Within 12 years or 24,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first 
after the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness 
certificate or the date of issuance of the original export 
certificate of airworthiness.
    (8) For AWL No. 57-AWL-08, ``Dielectric Top on Wing Surface,'' 
at the applicable time in paragraph (g)(8)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes on which an inspection was performed as 
specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-08: Within 6 years or 12,000 flight 
cycles, whichever occurs first after the most recent inspection was 
performed as specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-08.
    (ii) For airplanes on which no initial inspection was performed: 
Within 6 years or 12,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first after 
the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness 
certificate or the date of issuance of the original export 
certificate of airworthiness.
    (9) For AWL No. 57-AWL-09, ``Inspection Requirements for Class 
1A Seal Installations created as a result of Boeing Material Review 
Board,'' at the applicable time in paragraph (g)(9)(i) or (ii) of 
this AD.
    (i) For airplanes on which an inspection was performed as 
specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-09: Within 12 years or 24,000 flight 
cycles, whichever occurs first after the most recent inspection was 
performed as specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-09.
    (ii) For airplanes on which no initial inspection was performed: 
Within 12 years or 24,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first 
after the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness 
certificate or the date of issuance of the original export 
certificate of airworthiness.
    (10) For AWL No. 57-AWL-10, ``Inspection Requirements for In-
Tank Fasteners near Side of Body (SOB) Rib and between Ribs 7 and 
18,'' at the applicable time in paragraph (g)(10)(i) or (ii) of this 
AD.
    (i) For airplanes on which an inspection was performed as 
specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-10: Within 12 years or 24,000 flight 
cycles, whichever occurs first after the most recent inspection was 
performed as specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-10.
    (ii) For airplanes on which no initial inspection was performed: 
Within 12 years or 24,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first 
after the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness 
certificate or the date of issuance of the original export 
certificate of airworthiness.
    (11) For AWL No. 57-AWL-13, ``Inspection Requirements for In-
Tank Fasteners and Edge Seal near Disbond Arrestment (DBA) Fastener 
Installations in Lightning Zone 2,'' at the applicable time in 
paragraph (g)(11)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes on which an inspection was performed as 
specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-13: Within 12 years or 24,000 flight 
cycles, whichever occurs first after the most recent inspection was 
performed as specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-13.
    (ii) For airplanes on which no initial inspection was performed: 
At the applicable time in paragraph (g)(11)(ii)(A) or (B) of this 
AD.
    (A) For airplanes on which Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB570030-00 is applicable: Within 12 years or 24,000 flight cycles, 
whichever occurs first after the incorporation of Boeing Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB570030-00.
    (B) For airplanes having line numbers 10, 13, and 15 through 19 
inclusive: Within 12 years or 24,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs 
first after the date of issuance of the original standard 
airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original 
export certificate of airworthiness.
    (12) For AWL No. 57-AWL-14, ``Supplemental Inspection 
Requirements for Pre-cured Sealant Caps, Fillet Seals, and Edge 
Seals associated Stringer Splice Fitting Installation located at 
Right Wing Upper Panel Stringer No. 3, just Outboard of the Side of 
Body Rib,'' at the applicable time in paragraph (g)(12)(i) or (ii) 
of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes on which an inspection was performed as 
specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-14: Within 12 years or 24,000 flight 
cycles whichever occurs first after the most recent inspection was 
performed as specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-14.
    (ii) For airplanes on which no initial inspection was performed: 
Within 12 years or

[[Page 12565]]

24,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first after the date of 
issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the 
date of issuance of the original export certificate of 
airworthiness.
    (13) For AWL No. 57-AWL-15, ``Inspection Requirements for Pre-
cured Sealant Caps, Injection Seals, Fillet Seals, and Edge Seals 
associated with the Wing Lower Panel Stringer Attachments to the 
Lower Side of Body (SOB) Chord,'' at the applicable time in 
paragraph (g)(13)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes on which an inspection was performed as 
specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-15: Within 12 years or 24,000 flight 
cycles, whichever occurs first after the most recent inspection was 
performed as specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-15.
    (ii) For airplanes on which no initial inspection was performed: 
Within 12 years or 24,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first 
after the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness 
certificate or the date of issuance of the original export 
certificate of airworthiness.
    (14) For AWL No. 57-AWL-16, ``Supplemental Inspection 
Requirements for Edge Seals located at Left Wing Upper Panel 
Stringer No. 19, Between Ribs 8 and 9,'' at the applicable time in 
paragraph (g)(14)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes on which an inspection was performed as 
specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-16: Within 12 years or 24,000 flight 
cycles, whichever occurs first after the most recent inspection was 
performed as specified in AWL No. 57-AWL-16.
    (ii) For airplanes on which no initial inspection was performed: 
Within 12 years or 24,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first 
after the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness 
certificate or the date of issuance of the original export 
certificate of airworthiness.

(h) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, or Critical Design Configuration 
Control Limitations

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or critical design 
configuration control limitation (CDCCLs) may be used unless the 
actions, intervals, and CDCCLs are approved as an alternative method 
of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (j) of this AD.

(i) Terminating Actions

    Accomplishment of the revision required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD terminates the requirements specified in paragraph (h) of AD 
2018-11-13, for Model 787-8 airplanes only.

(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 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 Related Information. 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 Tak Kobayashi, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA; phone: 206-231-3553; 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 787 Special Compliance Items/Airworthiness 
Limitations, D011Z009-03-04, dated August 2018.
    (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; internet https://www.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: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on January 28, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-04662 Filed 3-4-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


