83 FR 44508 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 170 (August 31, 2018)

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes. This proposed 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 proposed AD would require installing hydraulic tubing, a pressure-operated check valve, and new flight control software. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 170 (Friday, August 31, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44508-44510]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18812]


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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]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes. This 
proposed 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 proposed AD would require 
installing hydraulic tubing, a pressure-operated check valve, and new 
flight control software. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 15, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; 
telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may 
view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It 
is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0763.

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 the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 
800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0763; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-052-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because 
of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    Boeing determined that certain areas in the tire/wheel threat zones 
could be susceptible to damage due to a thrown tire tread or tire 
burst. This could result in a 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. The Model 787 hydraulic system is 
configured with a reserve steering system intended to maintain the nose 
wheel steering function in the event that a thrown tire tread or tire 
burst leads to a brake system failure such that differential braking 
cannot be used for directional control. Boeing has determined that 
damage from a MLG thrown tire tread or tire burst event could also 
result in the loss of the reserve steering system, resulting in loss of 
directional control on the ground and consequent runway excursion.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletins B787-81205-SB290032-00 
and B787-81205-SB290033-00, both Issue 001, both 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.

FAA's Determination

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

[[Page 44509]]

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions 
identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the service information described previously, except 
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of 
this proposed AD.
    For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this 
service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0763.

Difference Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    This proposed AD would require the software installation specified 
in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270039-00, Issue 002, 
dated March 8, 2018, prior to or concurrently with the tubing and valve 
installation on Model 787-9 airplanes. The effectivity in this service 
information applies to Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes; however, this 
proposed AD would only require those actions be accomplished on Model 
787-9 airplanes.

Possible Additional Rulemaking for Software Installation

    We are considering additional rulemaking for Model 787-8 and 787-9 
airplanes to require the software installation specified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270039-00, Issue 002, dated March 
8, 2018, within a compliance time that may occur earlier than that for 
the tubing and valve installation specified in this proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 87 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
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 proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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


[[Page 44510]]


The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2018-0763; Product Identifier 
2018-NM-052-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 15, 2018.

(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 001, dated November 17, 2017.
    (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 001, dated November 17, 2017 (for Model 787-8 
airplanes); or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB290033-00, 
Issue 001, dated November 17, 2017 (for Model 787-9 airplanes); as 
applicable; except as specified in paragraph (i) 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 001, 
dated November 17, 2017; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-
81205-SB290033-00, Issue 001, dated November 17, 2017, as 
applicable.
    (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 accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB270039-00, Issue 002, 
dated March 8, 2018.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    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.

(i) Exception to Service Information

    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 this 
service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of 
this AD.''

(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: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, 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: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th 
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on August 17, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-18812 Filed 8-30-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P