Document ID: FAA-2023-1037-0006
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: The Boeing Company Airplanes
Posted Date: 2023-10-31T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 209 (Tuesday, October 31, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 74372-74376]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-23520]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-1037; Project Identifier AD-2023-00511-T]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to 
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-26-08. AD 2020-26-08 
applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes 
powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. This action revises the NPRM 
by proposing replacement of an additional upper splitter fairing 
assembly. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products. Since these actions would impose an additional 
burden over those in the NPRM, the FAA is requesting comments on this 
SNPRM.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by December 15, 
2023.

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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1037; 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 SNPRM, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information identified in this SNPRM, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Boulevard, MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; website: myboeingfleet.com.
     You may view this service information 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-1037.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tak Kobayashi, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3553; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2023-1037; Project Identifier 
AD-2023-00511-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may again 
revise this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this proposed AD.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this SNPRM contain 
commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as 
private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or 
responsive to this SNPRM, it is important that you clearly designate 
the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission 
containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked 
submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed 
in the public docket of this SNPRM. Submissions containing CBI should 
be sent to Tak Kobayashi, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3553; email: 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives that 
is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public 
docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD to 
supersede AD 2020-26-08, Amendment 39-21363 (85 FR 83755, December 23, 
2020) (AD 2020-26-08). AD 2020-26-08 applies to The Boeing Company 
Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 
1000 engines. AD 2020-26-08 requires repetitive inspections of the 
inner fixed structure (IFS) forward upper fire seal and thermal 
insulation blankets in the forward upper area of the thrust reverser 
(TR) for damage and applicable on-condition actions.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 25, 2023 (88 FR 
33851). The NPRM was prompted by a determination that a new upper 
splitter fairing assembly is needed to prevent damage to the fire seal 
and thermal insulation blanket. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to 
continue to require the actions specified in AD 2020-26-08 and proposed 
to require determining if an affected part number of the upper splitter 
fairing assembly is installed on the engine, replacing an affected 
upper splitter fairing assembly part number with a new upper splitter 
fairing assembly part number, inspecting the IFS forward upper fire 
seal and thermal insulation blanket for any damage, and

[[Page 74373]]

applicable on-condition actions. This NPRM also proposed to prohibit 
the installation of affected parts.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued the NPRM, the FAA identified an additional 
affected upper splitter fairing assembly part number (P/N) that must be 
replaced to address the unsafe condition. The NPRM proposed to require, 
among other actions, replacing upper splitter fairing assembly P/N 
KH60375. However, as explained in the ``Request to Add Part Number'' 
discussion below, P/N KH11560 is also subject to the unsafe condition.

Comments

    The following discussion presents the comments received on the NPRM 
and the FAA's response.

Support

    The Air Line Pilots Association, International supported the NPRM 
without change.

Request To Add a Part Number

    Boeing requested that the FAA revise all references of P/N KH60375 
to both P/N KH60375 and KH11560. Boeing stated that P/N KH11560 is the 
original approved configuration of the upper splitter fairing and is 
still in use in service; P/N KH60375 is the configuration introduced 
after P/N KH11560.
    The FAA agrees. Upper splitter fairing assembly P/N KH11560 is 
similar in design to P/N KH60375 and does not have a design feature to 
address the unsafe condition. Although Rolls Royce Alert Service 
Bulletin Trent 1000 72-AK759, dated July 28, 2022 (which is the service 
information referenced in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB720007-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 12, 2022), only 
specifies removing and replacing upper splitter fairing assembly P/N 
KH60375, the FAA contacted Boeing and confirmed that those same 
procedures can also be used to remove and replace P/N KH11560. The FAA 
has revised paragraphs (i)(1) and (2) of this proposed AD to refer to 
both P/N KH60375 and P/N KH11560. In addition, the FAA added paragraph 
(j)(2) to this proposed AD to clarify that although the service 
information referenced in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB720007-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 12, 2022, does not 
specify both part numbers, this AD requires removing existing upper 
splitter fairing assembly P/N KH60375 or P/N KH11560. Lastly, the FAA 
revised the parts installation prohibition in paragraph (k) of this 
proposed AD to refer to both P/N KH60375 and P/N KH11560.

Request To Clarify the Parts Installation Prohibition

    An individual requested that the FAA change the part installation 
prohibition in paragraph (k) of the proposed AD from the airframe level 
to the engine level. The commenter stated that operators of airplanes 
powered by Trent 1000 engines continue to comply with European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0099 \1\ and that engines removed 
as part of the de-pair requirement of the EASA AD do not always have a 
long lead time for accomplishing the upper splitter fairing 
modification and do not always undergo a shop visit. The commenter 
further requested that the FAA allow the compliance time for the 
retained inspections in paragraph (g) of this proposed AD to 
``restart'' if an engine with upper splitter fairing assembly P/N 
KH99185 is replaced by another engine with upper splitter fairing 
assembly P/N KH60375.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ EASA subsequently revised its AD and issued EASA AD 2019-
0099R2, dated September 6, 2019. As a result, the FAA issued AD 
2020-05-01, Amendment 39-21102 (85 FR 13727, March 10, 2020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA disagrees with the changes to the proposed AD requested by 
the commenter. Paragraph (k) of this proposed AD is intended to address 
a rotability issue: an operator might take an affected part from 
another airplane or from an operator's spare parts and unknowingly 
install it on an airplane or engine without the affected part, which 
would introduce the unsafe condition onto that airplane or engine. The 
final configuration intended by this proposed AD is an airplane with 
both engines that have an airworthy upper splitter fairing assembly 
installed.
    Paragraph (k)(1) of this proposed AD would impose the parts 
installation prohibition on airplanes with original airworthiness 
certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued 
after the effective date of this AD, except for airplanes listed in 
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB720007-00 RB, Issue 
001, dated December 12, 2022. This proposed prohibition at the airplane 
level would prevent introducing the unsafe condition onto airplanes 
that have the final configuration intended by the AD at the time of 
airplane delivery. Therefore, the FAA has not revised paragraph (k)(1) 
of this proposed AD.
    However, the FAA has revised paragraph (k)(2) of this proposed AD 
to simplify the installation prohibition for airplanes on which it is 
determined no affected parts are installed during the actions required 
by paragraph (i)(1) of this proposed AD.

Request To Clarify Terminology

    Boeing requested the FAA correct the text in paragraph (j) of the 
proposed AD from ``the original issue date of Requirements Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB720007-00 RB'' to ``the issue 001 date of Requirements 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB720007-00 RB.'' Boeing stated that table in the 
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB720007-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 12, 2022, does not use 
the phrase quoted in the proposed AD.
    The FAA agrees and has revised paragraph (j) of this proposed AD 
accordingly.

Request To Fix Typographical Error

    Boeing requested the FAA correct the phrase under ``Differences 
between This proposed AD and the Service Information'' in the NPRM from 
``all Boeing Model 787-7, -8, and -9 airplanes'' to ``all Boeing Model 
787-8, -9, and -10 airplanes.'' Boeing stated this is a typographical 
error because the applicable Boeing airplanes are Model 787-8, -9, and 
-10.
    The FAA agrees and has revised the preamble text accordingly.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is proposing this AD after determining the unsafe condition 
described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of 
the same type design. Certain changes described above expand the scope 
of the NPRM. As a result, it is necessary to reopen the comment period 
to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on this 
SNPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB720007-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 12, 2022. This service 
information specifies replacing the upper splitter fairing assembly 
with a new upper splitter fairing assembly with ramp fairing 
incorporated and doing a general visual inspection of the IFS forward 
upper fire seal and thermal insulation blanket of the left and right TR 
halves for any damage. This service information also specifies 
applicable on-condition actions, including replacing the IFS forward 
upper fire seal and thermal insulation blanket of each TR half if 
damage is found. The procedures

[[Page 74374]]

in the service information apply to each affected engine.
    The FAA also reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB780041-00, Issue 002, dated December 21, 2021. This service 
information contains procedures for repetitive inspections of the IFS 
forward upper fire seal and thermal insulation blanket of the left and 
right TR halves for any damage. This service information also specifies 
applicable on-condition actions, including replacing the IFS forward 
upper fire seal and thermal insulation blanket of each TR half if 
damage is found. The procedures in the service information apply to 
each affected engine.
    This proposed AD would also require Boeing Alert Requirements 
Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020, 
which the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation 
by reference as of January 27, 2021 (85 FR 83755, December 23, 2020).
    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 ADDRESSES.

Proposed AD Requirements in This SNPRM

    This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2020-26-08. 
Accomplishing the new actions proposed in this AD would terminate the 
requirements of AD 2020-26-08.
    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information already described, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service Information'' 
and except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this proposed AD. This proposed AD would also 
prohibit the installation of affected parts. With this SNPRM, the FAA 
is proposing replacement of an additional upper splitter fairing 
assembly. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see 
this service information at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-
1037.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The effectivity of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB720007-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 12, 2022, is limited to Model 
787-8, -9 and -10 airplanes having certain line numbers. However, the 
applicability of this proposed AD includes all Boeing Model 787-8, -9, 
and -10 airplanes with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines installed. 
Because the affected upper splitter fairing assembly are rotable parts, 
the FAA has determined that these parts could later be installed on 
airplanes that were initially delivered with acceptable upper splitter 
fairing assembly, thereby subjecting those airplanes to the unsafe 
condition. The FAA has determined that the Accomplishment Instructions 
in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB720007-00 RB, Issue 
001, dated December 12, 2022, can be applied to airplanes outside the 
effectivity of the service information if an affected part is installed 
on those airplanes. This proposed AD includes an inspection or records 
review to determine if an affected part is installed.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 13 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following 
costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (retained actions from  2 work-hours x $85               $0  $170 per inspection  $2,210 per
 AD 2020-26-08).                    per hour = $170                      cycle.               inspection cycle.
                                    per inspection
                                    cycle.
Inspection or records review (new  1 work-hour x $85                 0  $85................  $1,105.
 proposed action).                  per hour = $85.
Replacement of each upper          71 work-hours x $85         230,000  $236,035...........  $3,068,455.
 splitter fairing assembly (new     per hour = $6,035.
 proposed action).
Inspection (new proposed action).  2 work-hours x $85                0  $170...............  $2,210.
                                    per hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
proposed inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                        Labor cost               Parts cost            Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fire seal replacement................  2 work-hours x $85 per   $1,383 per TR half.....  $1,553 per TR half (4
                                        hour = $170 per TR                                TR halves per
                                        half.                                             airplane).
Thermal insulation blanket             1 work-hour x $85 per    $18,214 per TR half....  $18,299 per TR half.
 replacement.                           hour = $85 per TR half.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty by Goodrich, thereby reducing the cost 
impact on affected operators. The FAA does not control warranty 
coverage for affected operators. As a result, the FAA has included all 
known costs in the 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.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under

[[Page 74375]]

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

    The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-26-08, Amendment 39-21363 
(85 FR 83755, December 23, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2023-1037; Project Identifier AD-
2023-00511-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by December 15, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2020-26-08, Amendment 39-21363 (85 FR 83755, 
December 23, 2020) (AD 2020-26-08).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 
787-10 airplanes, certificated in any category, with Rolls-Royce 
Trent 1000 engines installed.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 72, Turbine/
turboprop engine.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 
powered airplanes having damage to the thrust reverser inner fixed 
structure (IFS) forward upper fire seal and damage to thermal 
insulation blankets in the forward upper area of the thrust reverser 
(TR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the damage to the IFS 
forward upper fire seal and the thermal insulation blankets of the 
TR due to airflow through structural gapping that could occur at the 
interface between the leading edge of the IFS and the engine 
splitter structure during flight. Failure of the IFS forward upper 
fire seal could cause the loss of seal pressurization and degrade 
the ability to detect and extinguish an engine fire, resulting in an 
uncontrolled fire. Damage to the TR insulation blanket could result 
in thermal damage to the TR inner wall, the subsequent release of 
engine exhaust components, and consequent damage to critical areas 
of the airplane. Furthermore, damage to the TR inner wall and IFS 
forward upper fire seal could compromise the integrity of the 
firewall and its ability to contain an engine fire, resulting in an 
uncontrolled fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Actions, With Additional Service Information, Revised 
Affected Airplanes, and New Terminating Action

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2020-26-08, with additional service information, revised affected 
airplanes, and new terminating action. For airplanes with an 
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness issued on or before the effective date of this AD and 
for airplanes listed in the ``Effectivity'' section of Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB720007-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
December 12, 2022: 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-SB780041-00 RB, Issue 
001, dated March 31, 2020, or Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB780041-00, Issue 002, dated December 21, 2021, do all 
applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020, or 
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00, Issue 
002, dated December 21, 2021. Accomplishing the actions required by 
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD terminates the actions required by this 
paragraph.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD can be found in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00, Issue 001, dated March 31, 
2020, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020; or in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00, Issue 002, 
dated December 21, 2021, which is referred to in Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00, Issue 002, dated 
December 21, 2021.

(h) Retained Exceptions to Service Information Specifications for 
Paragraph (g) of This AD, With Additional Service Information

    This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph 
(h) of AD 2020-26-08, with additional service information. Where 
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 RB, Issue 
001, dated March 31, 2020, or Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
B787-81205-SB780041-00, Issue 002, dated December 21, 2021, uses the 
phrase ``the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB780041-00 RB,'' this AD requires using January 27, 2021, (the 
effective date of AD 2020-26-08).

(i) New Required Actions

    (1) For airplanes with original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the 
effective date of this AD and for airplanes listed in the 
``Effectivity'' section of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB720007-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 12, 2022: Within 7 
years after the effective date of this AD, or within 7 years after 
the date of issuance of the original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness, whichever occurs 
later, inspect the airplane to determine the part number of the 
upper splitter fairing assembly installed on each engine. A review 
of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection if the part number of the upper splitter fairing assembly 
can be conclusively determined from that review. For engines on 
which no upper splitter fairing assembly part number (P/N) KH60375 
or P/N KH11560 is installed, the actions required by paragraph (g) 
of this AD are no longer required for that engine.
    (2) If, during any inspection or records review required by 
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, an upper splitter fairing assembly P/N 
KH60375 or P/N KH11560 is found on any engine of an airplane: Except 
as specified by paragraph (j) of this AD, at the applicable times 
specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB720007-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
December 12, 2022, do all applicable actions identified in, and in 
accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Requirements

[[Page 74376]]

Bulletin B787-81205-SB720007-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 12, 
2022, for each affected engine. Accomplishing the actions required 
by this paragraph on all affected engines of an airplane terminates 
the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD for that airplane.
    Note 2 to paragraph (i)(2): Guidance for accomplishing the 
actions required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD can be found in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB720007-00, Issue 001, 
dated December 12, 2022, which is referred to in Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB720007-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
December 12, 2022.

(j) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications for Paragraph 
(i)(2) of This AD

    (1) Where the ``Compliance Time column of table 5 in the 
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB720007-00 RB, Issue 001, dated December 12, 2022, uses the 
phrase ``the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB720007-00 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of 
this AD.''
    (2) Where the service information referenced in Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB720007-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
December 12, 2022, specifies to remove the existing upper splitter 
fairing assembly P/N KH60375, this AD requires removing the existing 
upper splitter fairing assembly P/N KH60375 or P/N KH11560.

(k) Parts Installation Prohibition

    (1) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued after the 
effective date of this AD, except for airplanes listed in Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB720007-00 RB, Issue 001, 
dated December 12, 2022: As of the effective date of this AD, no 
person may install an engine with an upper splitter fairing assembly 
P/N KH60375 or P/N KH11560 on any airplane.
    (2) For airplanes with original airworthiness certificate or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the 
effective date of this AD and for airplanes listed in Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB720007-00 RB, Issue 001, dated 
December 12, 2022, on which, during the actions required by 
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, no upper splitter fairing assembly P/N 
KH60375 or P/N KH11560 was installed on both engines: After 
accomplishing the inspection or records review required by paragraph 
(i)(1) of this AD, no person may install an engine with an upper 
splitter fairing assembly P/N KH60375 or P/N KH11560 for replacement 
of an engine on those airplanes.

(l) 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 AIR-520, Continued 
Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (m) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 Company Organization Designation 
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, 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.

(m) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Tak Kobayashi, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 
98198; phone: 206-231-3553; email: [email protected].

(n) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
[DATE 35 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE].
    (i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB720007-00 
RB, Issue 001, dated December 12, 2022.
    (ii) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00, 
Issue 002, dated December 21, 2021.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
January 27, 2021 (85 FR 83755, December 23, 2020).
    (i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 
RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Boulevard, MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; website: myboeingfleet.com.
    (6) You may view this service information 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.
    (7) 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 [email protected].

    Issued on October 19, 2023.
Caitlin Locke,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-23520 Filed 10-30-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P