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[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 246 (Thursday, December 22, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 93795-93798]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30032]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-7531; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-052-AD; 
Amendment 39-18747; AD 2016-25-21]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
reports of electrical shorts of the motor stator wiring burning a hole 
through the housing of the motor of the cabin air compressor (CAC). 
This AD requires installing modified inboard and outboard CAC modules 
on the left-hand (LH) side and right-hand (RH) side cabin air 
conditioning and temperature control system (CACTCS) packs. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 26, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 26, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data 
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 
90740; telephone 562-797-1717; 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 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-2015-7531.

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-2015-
7531; 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: Eric Brown, 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: 425-917-6476; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
eric.m.brown@faa.gov.

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 certain The Boeing Company 
Model 787-8 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
December 29, 2015 (80 FR 81220) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted 
by reports of electrical shorts of the motor stator wiring burning a 
hole through the housing of the motor of the CAC. The NPRM proposed to 
require installing modified inboard and outboard CAC modules on the LH 
side and RH side CACTCS packs. We are issuing this AD to prevent an 
electrical short from burning through the housing of the motor of the 
CAC. This condition, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could 
result in a fire in the pack bay and consequent reduced controllability 
of the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments

[[Page 93796]]

received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    United Airlines (UA) stated that it agrees with the proposed 
compliance time.

Request To Clarify the Unsafe Condition

    Boeing asked that we clarify the unsafe condition in the NPRM to 
specify that for a fire to occur in the pack bay, an electrical short 
would have to burn through the housing of the CAC motor in combination 
with the presence of flammable fluid vapors. Boeing stressed that the 
top-level event requires both an ignition source and flammable fluid 
vapors.
    We agree with the commenter's request for the reason provided. We 
have revised the unsafe condition in the Discussion section and 
paragraph (e) of this AD accordingly.

Requests To Increase Work-Hour Estimate

    Boeing and Japan Airlines (JAL) asked that we increase the work-
hour estimate in the ``Costs of Compliance'' section of the NPRM. 
Boeing stated that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB210055-
00, Issue 001, dated March 12, 2015, specifies 25.25 work-hours for the 
LH side pack replacement and 28.25 work-hours for the RH side pack 
replacement. Boeing added that the NPRM should either specify 30 work-
hours per side or 60 work-hours per airplane. JAL stated that the 
replacement for each pack specified in the proposed AD requires more 
than 25 work-hours, as specified in the referenced service information.
    We agree. We have confirmed that the proposed work-hour estimate 
should be increased. Therefore, we have increased the work-hour 
estimate in the ``Costs of Compliance'' section of this final rule from 
``up to 30 work-hours'' to ``up to 54 work-hours'' for accomplishing 
the required actions.

Request To Extend Compliance Time

    JAL asked that the proposed compliance time for the CAC 
replacements specified in the NPRM be extended so the actions can be 
done during scheduled heavy maintenance. JAL stated that the 
replacement for each pack specified in the proposed AD requires more 
than 25 work-hours, which would necessitate a longer compliance time.
    We do not agree with the commenter's request to extend the 
compliance time for the CAC replacements. We have determined that the 
compliance time, as proposed, represents the maximum interval of time 
allowable for the affected airplanes to continue to safely operate 
before the CAC replacements are accomplished. Airplanes affected by 
this AD will undergo at least one maintenance check (C-check) within 
the required compliance time (5 years after the effective date of this 
AD); the replacement can be done at that time. Therefore, we have made 
no change to this AD in this regard.

Request To Use Alternative Part

    Aeromexico asked if installing an H10 CAC having part number (P/N) 
7010101H10 could be considered as an alternative to installing H09 CAC 
parts having P/N 7010101H09. Aeromexico stated that Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB210055-00, Issue 001, dated March 12, 
2015, specifies installing the H09 CAC, but UTC Aerospace Systems (the 
parts vendor) stated that there are no H09 CACs presently available. 
Aeromexico added that UTC Aerospace Systems indicated that H10 CACs 
having P/N 7010101H10 will be available for retrofit during 2016. 
Aeromexico noted that Boeing and UTC Aerospace Systems have indicated 
that P/N 7010101H09 and P/N 7010101H10 will be interchangeable.
    We agree that clarification is necessary. Future part designs might 
be acceptable as replacement parts for the part mandated by this AD, 
because those future parts should include design changes meant to 
address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. However, we do not 
agree to allow use of P/N 7010101H10 CACs, because P/N 7010101H10 is 
not an approved part for installation on Model 787 airplanes at this 
time. Therefore, under the provisions of paragraph (h) of this AD, we 
will consider requests for approval of specific parts as an alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC) with this AD if data are submitted to 
substantiate that those parts would provide an acceptable level of 
safety. We have not revised this AD in this regard.

Request To Clarify Certain Actions in Service Information

    UA asked that, for Group 1 airplanes in Work Packages 1 and 2 of 
the Work Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB210055-00, Issue 001, dated March 12, 2015, the steps identified as 
RC (Required for Compliance) be changed to refer to all applicable 
steps within that service information instead of referring to the 
actions specified in UTC Aerospace Systems Service Bulletins 7010188-
21-6 and 7010189-21-6, both Revision 1, both dated January 30, 2015. UA 
stated that referring to the UTC Aerospace Systems service information 
forces operators to request multiple AMOCs in order to comply with the 
actions in the proposed AD.
    We agree that clarification is necessary. Although certain steps, 
which describe the access, removal, and installation of the CACs, are 
labeled as ``RC,'' the specifics of how those actions are to be 
accomplished are not mandated. The Work Instructions in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB210055-00, Issue 001, dated March 12, 
2015, do refer to UTC Aerospace Systems, Service Bulletins 7010188-21-6 
and 7010189-21-6, both Revision 1, both dated January 30, 2015, for 
accomplishing certain actions, but that service information is only an 
additional source of service information that operators may use (as 
indicated by the use of the words ``refer to'' in the RC step).
    UA asked that the UTC Aerospace Systems kit part number be called 
out in paragraph 3.A. under ``Parts Necessary for Each Airplane,'' in 
data module B787-A-21-00-0055-00A-934A-D, ``Material Information,'' of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB210055, Issue 001, dated 
March 12, 2015. UA noted that, as written, the proposed AD suggests 
that no parts are required.
    We do not agree with the commenter's request. In Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB210055, Issue 001, dated March 12, 2015; 
Step 3.A., ``Parts Necessary for Each Airplane'' for Groups 1 and 2 
airplanes, within data module B787-A-21-00-0055-00A-934A-D, ``Material 
Information,'' identifies the parts necessary for each airplane that 
would be supplied by Boeing. Step 3.B. identifies the parts and 
materials that are supplied by operators. Although having all kit 
information in one location might provide a single list of parts 
needed, it could be confusing to determine who is responsible for 
supplying which parts. Therefore, we have made no change to this AD in 
this regard.
    UA pointed out several instances where Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB210055, Issue 001, dated March 12, 2015, is 
referenced for certain sealing and bonding check instructions. UA 
stated that UTC Aerospace Systems Service Bulletins 7010188-21-6 and 
7010189-21-6, both Revision 1, both dated January 30, 2015, refer back 
to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB210055, Issue 001, dated 
March 12, 2015, which does not provide guidance on how to accomplish 
these actions. From these

[[Page 93797]]

statements, we infer that UA is requesting that we revise the proposed 
requirements to clarify how these actions are to be accomplished.
    We find that clarification is necessary. The Work Instructions in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB210055, Issue 001, dated 
March 12, 2015, specify ``The electrical surface bond and fay seal data 
is provided in the applicable 787 airplane maintenance manual (AMM) 21-
51-19, Cabin Air Compressor--Preparation Before Installation AMMs.'' 
The instructions are contained within those AMM procedures; however, 
those steps are not required for compliance with this AD because 
alternative procedures may be used. Therefore, we have made no change 
to 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:
     [Agr]re consistent with the intent that was proposed in 
the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM
    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 Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB210055-00, 
Issue 001, dated March 12, 2015. This service information describes 
procedures for installing modified inboard and outboard CAC modules on 
the LH side and RH side CACTCS packs. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 22 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification, installation, and    Up to 54                         $0  Up to $4,590.......  Up to $100,980.
 installation test.                 work[dash]hours x
                                    $85 per hour =
                                    $4,590.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 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, and 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 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.

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.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

2016-25-21 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18747; Docket No. FAA-
2015-7531; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-052-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 26, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB210055-00, Issue 001, dated March 12, 2015.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21, Air 
conditioning.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of electrical shorts of the 
motor stator wiring burning a hole through the housing of the motor 
of the cabin air compressor (CAC). We are issuing this AD to prevent 
an electrical short from burning through the housing of the motor of 
the CAC. This condition, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, 
could result in a fire in the pack bay and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

[[Page 93798]]

(g) Replacement of CAC Modules

    Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, install 
modified inboard and outboard CAC modules on the left side and right 
side cabin air conditioning and temperature control system (CACTCS) 
packs, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB210055-00, Issue 001, dated 
March 12, 2015.

(h) 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 (i) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (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, to make those findings. For a repair method 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 Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(h)(4)(i) and (h)(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. 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.

(i) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Eric Brown, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, 
ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6476; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
eric.m.brown@faa.gov.

(j) 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 Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB210055-00, Issue 
001, dated March 12, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740; 
telephone 562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this referenced 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 December 6, 2016.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-30032 Filed 12-21-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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