80 FR 58357 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 188 (September 29, 2015)

Page Range		58357-58361
FR Document		2015-24145
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of a potential latent failure of the fuel shutoff valve actuator circuitry, which was not identified during actuator development. This AD requires replacing certain engine and auxiliary power unit (APU) fuel shutoff valve actuators with new actuators, and also requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to include a new airworthiness limitation into the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA). We are issuing this AD to detect and correct latent failures of the fuel shutoff valve to the engine and auxiliary power unit (APU), which could result in the inability to shut off fuel to the engine and APU and, in case of certain fires, an uncontrollable fire that could lead to structural failure.
Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 188 (Tuesday, September 29, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 188 (Tuesday, September 29, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58357-58361]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-24145]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0773; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-068-AD; 
Amendment 39-18271; AD 2015-19-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The 
Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports 
of a potential latent failure of the fuel shutoff valve actuator 
circuitry, which was not identified during actuator development. This 
AD requires replacing certain engine and auxiliary power unit (APU) 
fuel shutoff valve actuators with new actuators, and also requires 
revising the maintenance or inspection program to include a new 
airworthiness limitation into the Airworthiness Limitations Section 
(ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA). We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct latent failures of the fuel 
shutoff valve to the engine and auxiliary power unit (APU), which could 
result in the inability to shut off fuel to the engine and APU and, in 
case of certain fires, an uncontrollable fire that could lead to 
structural failure.

DATES: This AD is effective November 3, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 3, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the

[[Page 58358]]

availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also 
available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0773.

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-2014-
0773; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, 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: Rebel Nichols, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6509; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

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 all The Boeing Company 
Model 787-8 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
November 17, 2014 (79 FR 68384). The NPRM was prompted by reports of a 
potential latent failure of the fuel shutoff valve actuator circuitry, 
which was not identified during actuator development. The NPRM proposed 
to require replacing certain engine and APU fuel shutoff valve 
actuators with new actuators, and also proposed revising the 
maintenance or inspection program to include a new airworthiness 
limitation into the ALS of the ICA. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct latent failures of the fuel shutoff valve to the engine and 
APU, which could result in the inability to shut off fuel to the engine 
and APU and, in case of certain fires, an uncontrollable fire that 
could lead to structural failure.

Record of Ex Parte Communication

    In preparation of AD actions such as NPRMs and immediately adopted 
rules, it is the practice of the FAA to obtain technical information 
and information on operational and economic impacts from design 
approval holders and aircraft operators. We discussed certain comments 
addressed in this final rule in a teleconference with Airlines for 
America (A4A) and other members of the aviation industry. All of the 
comments discussed during this teleconference that are relevant to this 
final rule are addressed in this final rule in response to comments 
submitted by other commenters. A discussion of this contact can be 
found in the rulemaking docket at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0773.

Clarification of Certain Terminology

    Throughout the preamble of this final rule, commenters may have 
used the terms ``fuel shutoff valve'' and ``fuel spar valve'' 
interchangeably. Both terms refer to the same part. In our responses to 
comments, we have used the term ``fuel shutoff valve.'' The term ``fuel 
spar valve'' is more commonly used in airplane maintenance 
documentation and, therefore, we have used that term in figure 1 to 
paragraph (g) of this AD.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (79 
FR 68384, November 17, 2014) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Withdraw the NPRM (79 FR 68384, November 17, 2014)

    All Nippon Airways (ANA) stated that the NPRM (79 FR 68384, 
November 17, 2014) proposed a revision of the maintenance program or 
inspection program that added an inspection every 10 days. ANA 
explained that it believes this action is not necessary. ANA stated 
that it has used fuel shutoff valve actuators having part number (P/N) 
53-0037 on its airplanes since their delivery, and that these fuel 
shutoff valve actuators have accumulated 1,607,870 flight hours. ANA 
stated that it has removed a total of 9 fuel shutoff valve actuators; 
however, it has never experienced a stuck micro-switch issue, and has 
experienced only a motor issue. ANA also stated that it has performed a 
one-time operational check on 10 airplanes with no findings.
    We infer that the commenter requests that we withdraw the NPRM (79 
FR 68384, November 17, 2014). We disagree with the commenter's request. 
We have determined that an unsafe condition exists that warrants an 
interim action until the modified actuator that will address the 
identified unsafe condition is installed. Boeing did not formally 
comment on whether it considers this issue to be an unsafe condition. 
We have determined that, without the required interim action, a 
significant number of flights with a fuel shutoff valve actuator that 
is failed latently in the open valve position will occur during the 
affected fleet life. With a failed fuel shutoff valve, if certain fire 
conditions were to occur, or if extreme engine or APU damage were to 
occur, or if an engine separation event were to occur during flight, 
the crew procedures for such an event would not stop the fuel flow to 
the engine strut and nacelle or APU. The continued flow of fuel could 
cause an uncontrolled fire or lead to a fuel exhaustion event.
    The FAA regulations require all transport airplanes to be fail safe 
with respect to engine fire events, and the risk due to severe engine 
damage events be minimized. Therefore, we require, for each flight, 
sufficiently operative fire safety systems so that fires can be 
detected and contained, and fuel to the engine strut and nacelle or APU 
can be shut off in the event of an engine or APU fire or severe damage.
    The FAA airworthiness standards require remotely controlled 
powerplant valves to provide indications that the valves are in the 
commanded position. These indications allow the prompt detection and 
correction of valve failures. We do not allow dispatch with a known 
inoperative fuel shutoff valve. Therefore, we are proceeding with the 
final rule, not because of the higher-than-typical failure rate of the 
particular valve actuator involved, but instead because the fuel 
shutoff valve actuator can fail in a manner that also defeats the 
required valve position indication feature. That failure can lead to a 
large number of flights occurring on an airplane with a fuel shutoff 
valve actuator failed in the open position without the operator being 
aware of the failure. Airworthiness limitations containing required 
inspections are intended to limit the number of flights following 
latent failure of the fuel shutoff valve. Issuance of an AD is the 
appropriate method to correct the unsafe condition. We have not changed 
this final rule in this regard.

Request To Extend the Test Interval for the Engine and APU Fuel Shutoff 
Valve Actuators

    ANA requested that we extend the test interval for the engine and 
APU fuel shutoff valve actuators from 10 days to 400 flight cycles. ANA 
stated it does not understand the reason why we proposed a test 
interval of 10 days, which ANA thinks is too short. ANA stated that, 
according to its removal data, the

[[Page 58359]]

earliest actuator removal is at 467 flight hours and 442 flight cycles. 
ANA explained that the fuel shutoff valve operates only once (open-
close) per one cycle; therefore, ANA proposed a test interval of 400 
flight cycles, which would be below 442 flight cycles.
    We disagree with the commenter's request to extend the test 
interval. An increase in the test interval from 10 days to 400 flight 
cycles would result in at least ten times as many flights at risk of an 
uncontrollable engine fire. Requiring the test at a 10-day interval has 
been deemed practical and is similar to inspections on other models 
that require maintenance action to test the actuator function. We have 
not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Revise Parts Installation Prohibition Paragraph

    ANA requested that we remove the restriction on installing a motor-
operated valve actuator having P/N 53-0037 on crossfeed valve and 
defuel/isolation valve positions. ANA stated that actuator failure in 
these two positions does not lead to a structural failure or 
uncontrollable fire condition that is referenced in the unsafe 
condition.
    We agree with the commenter's request. The vulnerability of the 
crossfeed system is not as significant as that of the engine/APU fuel 
feed system. We have revised paragraph (j) of this AD to limit the 
prohibition on installing a motor-operated valve actuator having P/N 
53-0037 to the engine fuel shutoff valve and APU fuel shutoff valve.

Request To Revise Service Information Identification

    Boeing requested that we correct a reference to unrelated service 
information specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD.
    We disagree with the commenter's request because the NPRM (79 FR 
68384, November 17, 2014) identified the correct service information, 
i.e., Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB280015-00, Issue 002, dated 
June 19, 2014. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD 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 (79 FR 68384, November 17, 2014) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 68384, November 17, 2014).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB280015-00, Issue 
002, dated June 19, 2014. The service information describes procedures 
for replacing the engine and APU fuel shutoff valve actuators. 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 of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 6 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on  U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maintenance program revision.......  1 work-hour x $85 per hour               $0             $85            $510
                                      = $85.
Engine and APU fuel shutoff valve    10 work-hours x $85 per                   0             850           5,100
 actuator replacement.                hour = $850.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all available costs in our 
cost estimate.

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.

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.

[[Page 58360]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

2015-19-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18271; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0773; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-068-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 3, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of a potential latent failure of 
the fuel shutoff valve actuator circuitry, which was not identified 
during actuator development. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct latent failures of the fuel shutoff valve to the engine and 
auxiliary power unit (APU), which could result in the inability to 
shut off fuel to the engine and APU and, in case of certain fires, 
an uncontrollable fire that could lead to structural failure.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to add 
Airworthiness Limitation (AWL) Number 28-AWL-ACT, ``Engine and APU 
Fuel Shutoff Valve (Fuel Spar Valve) Actuator Test,'' by 
incorporating the information specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) 
of this AD into the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness. This may be accomplished 
by inserting a copy of Airworthiness Limitation Number 28-AWL-ACT, 
``Engine and APU Fuel Shutoff Valve (Fuel Spar Valve) Actuator 
Test,'' into the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. 
For the airplanes identified in the applicability note of 
Airworthiness Limitation Number 28-AWL-ACT, ``Engine and APU Fuel 
Shutoff Valve (Fuel Spar Valve) Actuator Test,'' the initial 
compliance time for accomplishing the actions specified in figure 1 
to paragraph (g) of this AD is within 10 days after accomplishment 
of the maintenance or inspection program revision, as applicable, 
required by this paragraph. When the engine and APU fuel shutoff 
valve actuators have been replaced as required by paragraph (i) of 
this AD, the Airworthiness Limitation Number 28-AWL-ACT, ``Engine 
and APU Fuel Shutoff Valve (Fuel Spar Valve) Actuator Test,'' 
required by this paragraph may be removed from the maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable.

     Figure 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD: Engine and APU Fuel Shutoff Valve (Fuel Spar Valve) Actuator Test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          AWL No.                Task            Interval            Applicability            Description
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28-AWL-ACT................  ALI..........  10 DAYS.............  ALL.................  Engine and APU Fuel
                                                                                        Shutoff Valve (Fuel Spar
                                                                                        Valve) Actuator Test
                                           INTERVAL NOTE: Not    APPLICABILITY NOTE:   Concern: The fuel spar
                                            required on days      This AWL applies to   valve actuator design
                                            when the airplane     airplanes with        can result in airplanes
                                            is not operated.      Eaton Aerospace       operating with a failed
                                            The test must be      Ltd. fuel spar        fuel spar valve actuator
                                            done before further   valve actuators       that is not reported. A
                                            flight if it has      having part number    latently failed fuel
                                            been 10 or more       53-0037 installed     spar valve actuator
                                            calendar days since   at the engine or      would prevent fuel
                                            the last inspection.  APU fuel shutoff      shutoff to an engine or
                                                                  valve location.       APU. In the event of
                                                                                        certain engine or APU
                                                                                        fires, the potential
                                                                                        exists for an engine or
                                                                                        APU fire to be
                                                                                        uncontrollable.
                                                                                       Perform the following
                                                                                        tests in accordance with
                                                                                        Boeing Service Bulletin
                                                                                        B787-81205-SB280015-00,
                                                                                        Issue 002, dated June
                                                                                        19, 2014.
                                                                                       1. Do PART 1: ENGINE FUEL
                                                                                        SPAR VALVE ACTUATOR TEST
                                                                                        as described in Boeing
                                                                                        Service Bulletin B787-
                                                                                        81205-SB280015-00, Issue
                                                                                        002, dated June 19,
                                                                                        2014.
                                                                                          a. If the left engine
                                                                                           fuel spar valve
                                                                                           actuator has part
                                                                                           number 53-0037,
                                                                                           perform the left
                                                                                           engine fuel spar
                                                                                           valve actuator test.
                                                                                          b. If the right engine
                                                                                           fuel spar valve
                                                                                           actuator has part
                                                                                           number 53-0037,
                                                                                           perform the right
                                                                                           engine fuel spar
                                                                                           valve actuator test.
                                                                                          c. If either test
                                                                                           fails, repair faults
                                                                                           as required (refer to
                                                                                           Boeing Airplane
                                                                                           Maintenance Manual 28-
                                                                                           22-02).
                                                                                       2. Do PART 2: APU FUEL
                                                                                        SPAR VALVE ACTUATOR TEST
                                                                                        as described in Boeing
                                                                                        Service Bulletin B787-
                                                                                        81205-SB280015-00, Issue
                                                                                        002, dated June 19,
                                                                                        2014.
                                                                                          a. If the APU fuel
                                                                                           spar valve actuator
                                                                                           has part number 53-
                                                                                           0037, perform the APU
                                                                                           fuel spar valve
                                                                                           actuator test.
                                                                                          b. If the test fails,
                                                                                           before further flight
                                                                                           requiring APU
                                                                                           availability, repair
                                                                                           faults as required
                                                                                           (refer to Boeing
                                                                                           Airplane Maintenance
                                                                                           Manual 28-25-03).
                                                                                       NOTE: Dispatch may be
                                                                                        permitted per MMEL 28-25-
                                                                                        03 if the APU is not
                                                                                        required for flight.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 58361]]

(h) No Alternative Actions and Intervals

    Except as specified in paragraph (i) of this AD: After 
accomplishment of the maintenance or inspection program revision 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or 
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this 
AD.

(i) Replacement

    Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
the engine and APU fuel shutoff valve actuators having part number 
(P/N) 53-0037 with P/N 53-0049, in accordance with Part 5 or Part 6, 
as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB280015-00, Issue 002, dated June 19, 2014. 
When all the engine and APU fuel shutoff valve actuators have been 
replaced as required by this paragraph, Airworthiness Limitation 
Number 28-AWL-ACT, ``Engine and APU Spar Valve Actuator Test,'' 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD may be removed from the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.

(j) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on 
any airplane a motor-operated valve actuator having P/N 53-0037 in 
the engine or APU fuel shutoff valve location.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) 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) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(k)(3)(i) and (k)(3)(ii) 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. 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.

(l) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Rebel Nichols, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6509; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

(m) 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 Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB280015-00, Issue 002, 
dated June 19, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services 
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; 
telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet 
https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 15, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-24145 Filed 9-28-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 188 / Tuesday, September 29, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 58357

subparagraphs, but you must still complete request to your principal inspector or local Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
the actions in paragraph (j) of this AD, Flight Standards District Office, as September 17, 2015.
including all subparagraphs. appropriate. If sending information directly Melvin Johnson,
(5) If no nut movement occurs during the to the manager of the ACO, send it to the Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
torque check required in paragraph (i)(3) of attention of the person identified in Aircraft Certification Service.
this AD, do one of the following actions: paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.
(i) Within the next 1,000 hours TIS after [FR Doc. 2015–24249 Filed 9–28–15; 8:45 am]
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
November 3, 2015 (the effective date of this notify your appropriate principal inspector, BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
AD), replace the control column pivot or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
bearing following paragraph 2.B. of the of the local flight standards district office/
Accomplishment Instructions of the certificate holding district office. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
applicable service information listed in
paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (i)(1)(iv) of this (l) Related Information Federal Aviation Administration
AD; or (1) For more information about this AD,
(ii) Within the next 1,000 hours TIS after contact Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace 14 CFR Part 39
November 3, 2015 (the effective date of this Engineer, FAA, ASW–143 (c/o San Antonio
AD), revise (modify) the control column [Docket No. FAA–2014–0773; Directorate
MIDO), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San
pivot bearing configuration with the Identifier 2014–NM–068–AD; Amendment
Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: (210) 308–
improved design using the applicable service 39–18271; AD 2015–19–09]
3365; fax: (210) 308–3370; email:
information listed in paragraphs (h)(1)(i)
andrew.mcanaul@faa.gov. RIN 2120–AA64
through (h)(1)(iv) of this AD. Revising
(modifying) the configuration of the control (m) Material Incorporated by Reference
column pivot bearing with the improved
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
(1) The Director of the Federal Register Company Airplanes
design terminates the repetitive replacement
approved the incorporation by reference
of the original control column pivot bearing. AGENCY: Federal Aviation
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
(j) Inspect the Elevator Control Rod Ends paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Administration (FAA), DOT.
and Hardware part 51. ACTION: Final rule.
(1) Within the next 200 hours TIS after (2) You must use this service information
November 3, 2015 (the effective date of this as applicable to do the actions required by SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
AD), inspect the elevator control rod ends this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
and hardware for wear, creasing, or other (i) M7 Aerospace LLC SA26 Series Service Boeing Company Model 787–8
damage and verify the elevator rod bolt and Bulletin No. 26–27–30–046 R2, dated airplanes. This AD was prompted by
attachment hardware for correct December 5, 2014. reports of a potential latent failure of the
configuration following paragraph 2.D. of the (ii) M7 Aerospace LLC SA226 Series
fuel shutoff valve actuator circuitry,
Accomplishment Instructions of the Service Bulletin No. 226–27–060 R2, dated
applicable service information listed in December 5, 2014.
which was not identified during
paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (i)(1)(iv) of this (iii) M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series actuator development. This AD requires
AD. Service Bulletin No. 227–27–041 R2, dated replacing certain engine and auxiliary
(2) If any damage is found during the December 5, 2014. power unit (APU) fuel shutoff valve
inspection required in paragraph (j)(1) of this (iv) M7 Aerospace LLC SA227 Series actuators with new actuators, and also
AD or the elevator rod bolt and attachment Commuter Category Service Bulletin No. requires revising the maintenance or
hardware does not match the correct CC7–27–010 R2, December 5, 2014. inspection program to include a new
configuration, before further flight, replace (v) Fairchild Aircraft SA26 Series Service airworthiness limitation into the
the elevator rod bolt, rod ends, and Bulletin No. 26–27–30–047, dated June 16, Airworthiness Limitations Section
associated hardware following paragraph 2.D. 1997.
of the Accomplishment Instructions of the
(ALS) of the Instructions for Continued
(vi) Fairchild Aircraft SA226 Series Service Airworthiness (ICA). We are issuing this
applicable service information listed in Bulletin No. 226–27–061, dated June 16,
paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (i)(1)(iv) of this AD to detect and correct latent failures
1997.
AD. (vii) Fairchild Aircraft SA227 Series
of the fuel shutoff valve to the engine
(3) Replace the elevator rod end bolt and Service Bulletin No. 227–27–042, dated June and auxiliary power unit (APU), which
associated hardware following paragraph 2.D. 16, 1997. could result in the inability to shut off
of the Accomplishment Instructions of the (viii) Fairchild Aircraft SA227 Series fuel to the engine and APU and, in case
applicable service information listed in Commuter Category No. CC7–27–011, dated of certain fires, an uncontrollable fire
paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (i)(1)(iv) of this that could lead to structural failure.
June 16, 1997.
AD at whichever of the following compliance
(3) For service information identified in DATES: This AD is effective November 3,
times applies and repetitively thereafter at
this AD, contact M7 Aerospace LLC, 10823 2015.
intervals not to exceed 10,000 hours TIS:
NE Entrance Road, San Antonio, Texas
(i) For airplanes where the elevator rod bolt The Director of the Federal Register
78216; phone: (210) 824–9421; fax: (210)
has been replaced: Within the next 10,000 approved the incorporation by reference
hours TIS after the last elevator rod bolt 804–7766; Internet: http://www.elbitsystems-
us.com; email: MetroTech@ of a certain publication listed in this AD
replacement or within the next 1,000 hours as of November 3, 2015.
TIS after November 3, 2015 (the effective date M7Aerospace.com.
of this AD), whichever occurs later; or (4) You may view this service information ADDRESSES: For service information
(ii) For airplanes where the elevator rod at FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 identified in this AD, contact Boeing
bolt has never been replaced: Within the next Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data
200 hours TIS after November 3, 2015 (the information on the availability of this & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707,
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES

effective date of this AD). material at the FAA, call 816–329–4148. MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207;
(5) You may view this service information
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1;
that is incorporated by reference at the
(AMOCs) National Archives and Records
fax 206–766–5680; Internet https://
(1) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Administration (NARA). For information on www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view
Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to the availability of this material at NARA, call this referenced service information at
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 202–741–6030, or go to: http:// the FAA, Transport Airplane
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your locations.html. Renton, WA. For information on the

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58358 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 188 / Tuesday, September 29, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

availability of this material at the FAA, on operational and economic impacts comment on whether it considers this
call 425–227–1221. It is also available from design approval holders and issue to be an unsafe condition. We
on the Internet at http:// aircraft operators. We discussed certain have determined that, without the
www.regulations.gov by searching for comments addressed in this final rule in required interim action, a significant
and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– a teleconference with Airlines for number of flights with a fuel shutoff
0773. America (A4A) and other members of valve actuator that is failed latently in
the aviation industry. All of the the open valve position will occur
Examining the AD Docket comments discussed during this during the affected fleet life. With a
You may examine the AD docket on teleconference that are relevant to this failed fuel shutoff valve, if certain fire
the Internet at http:// final rule are addressed in this final rule conditions were to occur, or if extreme
www.regulations.gov by searching for in response to comments submitted by engine or APU damage were to occur, or
and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– other commenters. A discussion of this if an engine separation event were to
0773; or in person at the Docket contact can be found in the rulemaking occur during flight, the crew procedures
Management Facility between 9 a.m. docket at http://www.regulations.gov by for such an event would not stop the
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, searching for and locating Docket No. fuel flow to the engine strut and nacelle
except Federal holidays. The AD docket FAA–2014–0773. or APU. The continued flow of fuel
contains this AD, the regulatory could cause an uncontrolled fire or lead
Clarification of Certain Terminology
evaluation, any comments received, and to a fuel exhaustion event.
other information. The address for the Throughout the preamble of this final The FAA regulations require all
Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is rule, commenters may have used the transport airplanes to be fail safe with
Docket Management Facility, U.S. terms ‘‘fuel shutoff valve’’ and ‘‘fuel respect to engine fire events, and the
Department of Transportation, Docket spar valve’’ interchangeably. Both terms risk due to severe engine damage events
Operations, M–30, West Building refer to the same part. In our responses be minimized. Therefore, we require, for
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 to comments, we have used the term each flight, sufficiently operative fire
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, ‘‘fuel shutoff valve.’’ The term ‘‘fuel spar safety systems so that fires can be
DC 20590. valve’’ is more commonly used in detected and contained, and fuel to the
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
airplane maintenance documentation engine strut and nacelle or APU can be
Rebel Nichols, Aerospace Engineer, and, therefore, we have used that term shut off in the event of an engine or
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD. APU fire or severe damage.
The FAA airworthiness standards
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, Comments require remotely controlled powerplant
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA We gave the public the opportunity to valves to provide indications that the
98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6509; fax: participate in developing this AD. The valves are in the commanded position.
425–917–6590; email: Rebel.Nichols@ following presents the comments These indications allow the prompt
faa.gov. received on the NPRM (79 FR 68384, detection and correction of valve
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: November 17, 2014) and the FAA’s failures. We do not allow dispatch with
response to each comment. a known inoperative fuel shutoff valve.
Discussion
Therefore, we are proceeding with the
We issued a notice of proposed Request To Withdraw the NPRM (79 FR
final rule, not because of the higher-
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 68384, November 17, 2014)
than-typical failure rate of the particular
part 39 by adding an AD that would All Nippon Airways (ANA) stated that valve actuator involved, but instead
apply to all The Boeing Company Model the NPRM (79 FR 68384, November 17, because the fuel shutoff valve actuator
787–8 airplanes. The NPRM published 2014) proposed a revision of the can fail in a manner that also defeats the
in the Federal Register on November 17, maintenance program or inspection required valve position indication
2014 (79 FR 68384). The NPRM was program that added an inspection every feature. That failure can lead to a large
prompted by reports of a potential latent 10 days. ANA explained that it believes number of flights occurring on an
failure of the fuel shutoff valve actuator this action is not necessary. ANA stated airplane with a fuel shutoff valve
circuitry, which was not identified that it has used fuel shutoff valve actuator failed in the open position
during actuator development. The actuators having part number (P/N) 53– without the operator being aware of the
NPRM proposed to require replacing 0037 on its airplanes since their failure. Airworthiness limitations
certain engine and APU fuel shutoff delivery, and that these fuel shutoff containing required inspections are
valve actuators with new actuators, and valve actuators have accumulated intended to limit the number of flights
also proposed revising the maintenance 1,607,870 flight hours. ANA stated that following latent failure of the fuel
or inspection program to include a new it has removed a total of 9 fuel shutoff shutoff valve. Issuance of an AD is the
airworthiness limitation into the ALS of valve actuators; however, it has never appropriate method to correct the
the ICA. We are issuing this AD to experienced a stuck micro-switch issue, unsafe condition. We have not changed
detect and correct latent failures of the and has experienced only a motor issue. this final rule in this regard.
fuel shutoff valve to the engine and ANA also stated that it has performed a
APU, which could result in the inability one-time operational check on 10 Request To Extend the Test Interval for
to shut off fuel to the engine and APU airplanes with no findings. the Engine and APU Fuel Shutoff Valve
and, in case of certain fires, an We infer that the commenter requests Actuators
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES

uncontrollable fire that could lead to that we withdraw the NPRM (79 FR ANA requested that we extend the
structural failure. 68384, November 17, 2014). We disagree test interval for the engine and APU fuel
with the commenter’s request. We have shutoff valve actuators from 10 days to
Record of Ex Parte Communication determined that an unsafe condition 400 flight cycles. ANA stated it does not
In preparation of AD actions such as exists that warrants an interim action understand the reason why we proposed
NPRMs and immediately adopted rules, until the modified actuator that will a test interval of 10 days, which ANA
it is the practice of the FAA to obtain address the identified unsafe condition thinks is too short. ANA stated that,
technical information and information is installed. Boeing did not formally according to its removal data, the

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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 188 / Tuesday, September 29, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 58361

(h) No Alternative Actions and Intervals requested using the procedures found in 14 (m) Material Incorporated by Reference
Except as specified in paragraph (i) of this CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, (1) The Director of the Federal Register
AD: After accomplishment of the send your request to your principal inspector approved the incorporation by reference
maintenance or inspection program revision or local Flight Standards District Office, as (IBR) of the service information listed in this
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no appropriate. If sending information directly paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or to the manager of the ACO, send it to the part 51.
intervals may be used unless the actions or attention of the person identified in (2) You must use this service information
intervals are approved as an alternative paragraph (l) of this AD. Information may be as applicable to do the actions required by
method of compliance (AMOC) in emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC- this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
accordance with the procedures specified in Requests@faa.gov. (i) Boeing Service Bulletin B787–81205–
paragraph (k) of this AD. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, SB280015–00, Issue 002, dated June 19, 2014.
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
(i) Replacement (ii) Reserved.
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
(3) For Boeing service information
Within 36 months after the effective date of the local flight standards district office/
identified in this AD, contact Boeing
of this AD, replace the engine and APU fuel certificate holding district office.
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data &
shutoff valve actuators having part number (3) For service information that contains
Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC
(P/N) 53–0037 with P/N 53–0049, in steps that are labeled as Required for
2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone
accordance with Part 5 or Part 6, as Compliance (RC), the provisions of
206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–
applicable, of the Accomplishment paragraphs (k)(3)(i) and (k)(3)(ii) apply.
5680; Internet https://
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin B787– (i) The steps labeled as RC, including
www.myboeingfleet.com.
81205–SB280015–00, Issue 002, dated June substeps under an RC step and any figures
(4) You may view this service information
19, 2014. When all the engine and APU fuel identified in an RC step, must be done to
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
shutoff valve actuators have been replaced as comply with the AD. An AMOC is required
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
required by this paragraph, Airworthiness for any deviations to RC steps, including
information on the availability of this
Limitation Number 28–AWL–ACT, ‘‘Engine substeps and identified figures.
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
and APU Spar Valve Actuator Test,’’ required (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be
(5) You may view this service information
by paragraph (g) of this AD may be removed deviated from using accepted methods in
that is incorporated by reference at the
from the maintenance or inspection program, accordance with the operator’s maintenance
National Archives and Records
as applicable. or inspection program without obtaining
Administration (NARA). For information on
approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,
(j) Parts Installation Prohibition the availability of this material at NARA, call
including substeps and identified figures, can
202–741–6030, or go to: http://
As of the effective date of this AD, no still be done as specified, and the airplane
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
person may install on any airplane a motor- can be put back in an airworthy condition.
locations.html.
operated valve actuator having P/N 53–0037
(l) Related Information Issued in Renton, Washington, on
in the engine or APU fuel shutoff valve
location. For more information about this AD, September 15, 2015.
contact Rebel Nichols, Aerospace Engineer, Michael Kaszycki,
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle
(AMOCs) Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the phone: 425–917–6509; fax: 425–917–6590; [FR Doc. 2015–24145 Filed 9–28–15; 8:45 am]
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if email: Rebel.Nichols@faa.gov. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES

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Document Created: 2015-12-15 09:46:33
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 09:46:33
Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final rule.
Dates		This AD is effective November 3, 2015.
Contact		Rebel Nichols, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917- 6509; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected]
FR Citation		80 FR 58357
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
80 FR 58357 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 188 (September 29, 2015)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
