AD 2026-01-06 ACTIVE

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-9 and 787-10 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of multiple supplier notices of escapement (NOEs) indicating that multiple cargo barrier fitting links were possibly manufactured with an incorrect titanium alloy material. This AD requires a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) or handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer inspection of the cargo barrier fitting link to determine the titanium alloy material and applicable on- condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Final rule.

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-01-06 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-23234; Docket No. FAA-2025-1110; Project Identifier AD-2025-00166-T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 20, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-9 and 787-10 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of multiple supplier notices of escapement (NOEs) indicating that multiple cargo barrier fitting links were possibly manufactured with an incorrect titanium alloy material. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cargo barrier fitting links possibly manufactured with the incorrect titanium alloy material, which, if not addressed, could fail in the event of a rapid decompression in the aft fuselage and could result in damage to the aft electronic equipment bay and consequent loss of continued safe flight and landing. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the applicable times specified in the "Compliance" paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025. Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025. (h) Exception to Requirements Bulletin Specifications Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the "Compliance" paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025, refer to the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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 Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (2) 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, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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. (j) Additional Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Joseph Hodgin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3962; email: joseph.j.hodgin@faa.gov. (2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (k)(3) of this AD. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Boeing material 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; website myboeingfleet.com . (4) You may view this material 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 material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov . Issued on January 6, 2026. Lona C. Saccomando, Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-00839 Filed 1-15-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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 787-9 and 787-10 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 25, 2025 (90 FR 26945). The NPRM was prompted by reports of multiple supplier NOEs indicating that multiple cargo barrier fitting links (both left and right) were possibly manufactured with an incorrect titanium alloy material. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require an HFEC or handheld XRF spectrometer inspection of the cargo barrier fitting link to determine the titanium alloy material and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cargo barrier fitting links possibly manufactured with the incorrect titanium alloy material, which, if not addressed, could fail in the event of a rapid decompression in the aft fuselage and could result in damage to the aft electronic equipment bay and consequent loss of continued safe flight and landing. 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 American Airlines (American) and Boeing. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment. Request To Revise the Number of Affected Airplanes Boeing requested the FAA revise the estimated number of affected airplanes of U.S. registry from 23 to 25 in the Costs of Compliance paragraph of the proposed AD and adjust the costs accordingly. Boeing noted that Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025, includes 25 airplanes of U.S. registry. Boeing explained that the two additional airplanes are currently operated by foreign operators but remain on the U.S. registry. The FAA agrees with the request and has revised the Costs of Compliance section of this AD accordingly. Request To Clarify Inspection Instructions American requested the FAA revise paragraph (g) of the proposed AD to state that either an XRF or HFEC inspection method is acceptable for compliance with the proposed AD. The commenter expressed concern that paragraph (g) of the proposed AD specifies doing all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025, but the inspection instructions in the requirements bulletin do not clearly state that doing an HFEC inspection to determine the type of titanium alloy material negates the need for an XRF inspection (for example, see task 1, table 1, More Data notes 1 and 2). The commenter stated it cannot accomplish the XRF inspection because the equipment is unavailable. The FAA disagrees with the request. Tables 1 through 3 the Accomplishment Instructions of the requirements bulletin specify to do an HFEC or handheld XRF spectrometer inspection of the cargo barrier fitting link to determine the titanium alloy material. In addition, More Data note 2 of the corresponding Method of Compliance task tables states to do, as an option, an HFEC inspection of the cargo barrier fitting link to determine the material in accordance with appendix A of the requirements bulletin. More Data note 2 denotes that the HFEC inspection is an alternative to the XRF spectrometer inspection specified in More Data note 1. Therefore, operators may accomplish either an HFEC or XRF spectrometer inspection to comply with the AD requirement to determine the type of titanium alloy material. No change has been made to 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. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. 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. Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025. This material specifies procedures for an HFEC or handheld XRF spectrometer inspection of the cargo barrier fitting link to determine the titanium alloy material type, and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include replacing any affected fitting link with a new cargo barrier fitting link that is manufactured with Ti-6Al-4V alloy material. This material 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. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 25 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: Estimated Costs Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Inspection 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 $0 $85 $2,125 The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacements that would be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this replacement: On-Condition Costs Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Replacement 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 Up to $2,010 Up to $2,095. The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected operators. 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-01-06 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-23234; Docket No. FAA-2025-1110; Project Identifier AD-2025-00166-T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 20, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-9 and 787-10 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of multiple supplier notices of escapement (NOEs) indicating that multiple cargo barrier fitting links were possibly manufactured with an incorrect titanium alloy material. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cargo barrier fitting links possibly manufactured with the incorrect titanium alloy material, which, if not addressed, could fail in the event of a rapid decompression in the aft fuselage and could result in damage to the aft electronic equipment bay and consequent loss of continued safe flight and landing. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the applicable times specified in the "Compliance" paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025. Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025. (h) Exception to Requirements Bulletin Specifications Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the "Compliance" paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025, refer to the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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 Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (2) 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, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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. (j) Additional Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Joseph Hodgin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3962; email: joseph.j.hodgin@faa.gov. (2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (k)(3) of this AD. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB530089-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 7, 2025. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Boeing material 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; website myboeingfleet.com . (4) You may view this material 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 material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov . Issued on January 6, 2026. Lona C. Saccomando, Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service.

AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-1110; 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. Material Incorporated by Reference: - For Boeing material 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; website myboeingfleet.com. - You may view this material 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 regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-1110.

Joseph Hodgin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3962; email: joseph.j.hodgin@faa.gov .