AD 2016-09-12

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the bilge barriers located in the forward and aft cargo compartments for disengaged decompression panels, and reinstalling any disengaged panels. This AD was prompted by several reports of disengaged decompression panels found on in-service airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct disengaged decompression panels from the bilge barriers located in the forward and aft cargo compartments. In the event of a cargo compartment fire, this condition would provide a path for smoke and Halon to enter the flight compartment and passenger cabin, which could result in the inability to contain and extinguish a fire.

Final rule; request for comments.

Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): \n\n2016-09-12 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18510; Docket No. FAA- 2016-6149; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-047-AD. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD is effective May 23, 2016. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB500009-00, Issue 001, dated November 16, 2015. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tAir Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/ Furnishings. \n\n(e) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by several reports of disengaged decompression panels found on in-service airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct disengaged decompression panels from the bilge barriers located in the forward and aft cargo compartments. In the event of a cargo compartment fire, this condition would provide a path for smoke and Halon to enter the flight compartment and passenger cabin, which could result in the inability to contain and extinguish a fire. \n\n(f) Compliance \n\n\n\tComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) Repetitive Inspections \n\n\n\tAt the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD: Do a general visual inspection of the bilge barriers located in the forward and aft cargo compartments for disengaged decompression panels, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB500009- 00, Issue 001, dated November 16, 2015. Repeat the inspection thereafter at the applicable times specified in paragraph 5., ''Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205- SB500009-00, Issue 001, dated November 16, 2015. \n\t(1) For Group 1 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB500009-00, Issue 001, dated November 16, 2015: Inspect within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. \n\t(2) For Group 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB500009-00, Issue 001, dated November 16, 2015: Inspect within 180 flight cycles or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. \n\n(h) Reinstallation of Decompression Panels \n\n\n\tIf any disengaged decompression panel is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, reinstall the panel, in accordance with the \n\n((Page 27303)) \n\nAccomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787- 81205-SB500009-00, Issue 001, dated November16, 2015. \n\n(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(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 (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. \n\t(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. \n\t(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 OrganizationDesignation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, 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. \n\t(4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) of this AD apply. \n\t(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. \n\t(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 theairplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. \n\n(j) Related Information \n\n\n\tFor more information about this AD, contact Caspar Wang, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6414; fax: 425-917-6590; email: caspar.wang@faa.gov. \n\n(k) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\t(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. \n\t(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB500009-00, Issue 001, dated November 16, 2015. \n\t(ii) Reserved. \n\t(3) 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. \n\t(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. \n\t(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.

Discussion \n\n\n\tWe have received several reports of disengaged decompression panels found on in-service airplanes. It appears these decompression panels disengaged prior to delivery, during test flights. Tests done by the airplane manufacturer revealed some decompression panels disengage at a pressure differential below the design/intended value. This condition, if not corrected, would provide a path for smoke and Halon to enter the flight compartment and passenger cabin in the event of a cargo compartment fire, which could result in the inability to contain and extinguish a fire. \n\nRelated Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 \n\n\n\tWe reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB500009-00, Issue 001, dated November 16, 2015. The service information describes procedures for repetitive inspections of the bilge barriers located in the forward and aft cargo compartments for disengaged decompression panels, and reinstalling any disengaged panels. 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. \n\nFAA's Determination \n\n\n\tWe are issuing 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. \n\nAD Requirements \n\n\n\tThis AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. \n\tFor information on the procedures and compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-6149. \n\nInterim Action \n\n\n\tWe consider this AD interim action. The airplane manufacturer is currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, approved, and available, we might consideradditional rulemaking. \n\nFAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date \n\n\n\tAn unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because if any decompression panel is disengaged from the bilge barriers located in the forward and aft cargo compartments and a cargo compartment fire were to occur, the fire could not be contained or extinguished. Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. \n\nComments Invited \n\n\n\tThis AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2016-6149 and Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-047-AD at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of those comments. \n\tWe 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 AD. \n\n((Page 27302)) \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\n\tWe estimate that this AD affects 42 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: \n\n\n\tEstimated Costs -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\tAction Labor cost Parts costCost per product Cost on U.S. operators -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inspection............................ 3 work-hours x $85 per $0 $255 per inspection $10,710 per inspection cycle. \n\thour = $255 per cycle. \n\tinspection cycle. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\n\n\tWe estimate the following costs to do any necessary reinstallation that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this action: \n\n\n\tOn-Condition Costs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\tCost per \n\tAction Labor costParts cost product ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reinstallation............................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $0 $85 \n\t$85. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\n\tTitle 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. \n\tWe 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. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\n\tThis 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. \n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\t(1) Is not a ''significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, \n\t(2) Is not a ''significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), \n\t(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and \n\t(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial numberof small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.