Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 59 (Friday, March 28, 2025)

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 59 (Friday, March 28, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14026-14029]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-05295]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2410; Project Identifier AD-2024-00509-T;
Amendment 39-22998; AD 2025-06-10]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes.
This AD was prompted by possible horizontal stabilizer pivot pin
lockring, outer pivot pin, and outboard spacer misalignment at final
assembly. This AD requires inspection of the left-side and right-side
horizontal stabilizer pivot pin assemblies for misalignment and
incorrect gapping, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 2, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 2, 2025.

ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2410; 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.

[[Page 14027]]

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-2024-2410.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on November 22, 2024 (89 FR 92612). The NPRM was
prompted by possible misalignment, at final assembly, of the horizontal
stabilizer pivot pin lockring, outer pivot pin, and outboard spacer. In
the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require inspection of the left-side and
right-side horizontal stabilizer pivot pin assemblies for misalignment
and incorrect gapping, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address a pivot pin outboard spacer that has been
found to not be set correctly flush against the horizontal stabilizer
pivot bearing and outboard washer due to a misaligned pivot pin
lockring. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
decreased lateral load capacity, which could cause the loss of pivot
pin retention parts and lead to loss of the horizontal stabilizer and
loss of continued safe flight and landing.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

The FAA received comments from Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), Boeing, United Airlines (United), and Etihad
Airways (Etihad). ALPA supported the NPRM and had additional comments.
The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.

Request To Clarify Inspection Area

Boeing, United, and Etihad requested the proposed AD be revised to
clarify an inspection area. The commenters said that flag notes [1] and
[3] in Table 1 of Task 5 in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024, state to do a
detailed inspection of the right side horizontal stabilizer pivot pin.
The commenters stated Task 5 is for the left side horizontal stabilizer
pivot pin assembly and the wording ``right side'' in Task 5, Table 1,
Flag Notes [1] and [3] is a typographical error. Etihad stated that
Boeing has confirmed this and other errors in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024,
and stated that Boeing plans to revise the service information to
address these errors. Etihad added that it would not be able to
accomplish the proposed requirements without approved deviations.
The FAA agrees with the request to correct the inspection area for
the reasons provided. The FAA has added an exception in paragraph
(h)(2) of this AD accordingly. Further, the FAA notes that the other
errors mentioned by Etihad are addressed in the following comment
responses.

Request To Correct a Part Number

Boeing and Etihad requested the proposed AD be revised to correct a
part number. The commenters said Step 15 of Table 1 of Task 6 in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
August 30, 2024, specifies an incorrect part number for TRAP FITTING,
i.e., listed as part number (P/N) 182W6405-1. Boeing stated that the
part number for TRAP FITTING in Task 6, Table 1, Step 15 should be
313Z6455-501.
The FAA agrees with the request to correct a part number for the
reasons provided. The FAA has added an exception in paragraph (h)(3) of
this AD accordingly.

Request To Remove Incorrect Part Number

Boeing, United, and Etihad requested the proposed AD be revised to
remove reference to an incorrect part number. The commenters observed
that several places in Tasks 5 through 8 in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024,
specify an incorrect antirotation plate part number, noting the
specified part number is for the trap fitting. United added that the
trap fitting part number is not mentioned in other steps and should be
removed. Etihad and Boeing noted that the antirotation plate is kept
and reinstalled, so specifying a part number is not necessary.
The FAA agrees with the request to remove references to the
incorrect antirotation part for the reasons provided. The FAA has added
an exception in paragraph (h)(4) of this AD accordingly.

Request To Correct Certain Instructions

Etihad requested that instructions in Part 4 step (a) and Part 5
step (a) of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00, Issue
001, dated August 30, 2024, be corrected to specify that the referenced
AMM [Aircraft Maintenance Manual] task is for installation, not
removal. The commenter noted that the AMM title is incorrectly listed
as being ``. . . Assembly--Removal,'' when it should be ``. . .
Assembly--Installation.'' Etihad stated that Boeing confirmed the
information would be corrected in the next bulletin revision.
The FAA acknowledges the typographical error in the service
information. However, those instructions are not in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
August 30, 2024. They are only included in the related service
bulletin, which, as specified in Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD,
provides guidance for accomplishing the actions in this AD.
Instructions not included in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024, are not
required for compliance with this AD. Therefore, the FAA has determined
this AD does not need to be changed regarding this issue.

Request To Refer to Later Revision of the Service Information

ALPA noted that, based on information provided by an air carrier in
the docket for the proposed AD, it appears that Boeing is in the
process of updating the service information referenced in the proposed
AD. ALPA therefore recommended updating the proposed AD to refer to the
latest version of the service information.
The FAA agrees to clarify. A revised version of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
August 30, 2024, has not been issued. However, as previously noted,
this AD has been revised to address several errors that would otherwise
prevent operators from complying with this AD. The FAA might consider
additional rulemaking, however, if revised service information is
published that requires additional actions to address the unsafe
condition. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Extend Compliance Time

United and Etihad requested an extension of the compliance time to
36

[[Page 14028]]

months. United requested the extension to match the existing
Maintenance Planning Data check interval. Etihad stated it expects the
AD will be due before the next C check of certain aircraft (due in
quarter 1 of 2025) and therefore it might look for an option to either
have dedicated inputs to comply with the AD or to advance the next C
check, which is not desirable.
The FAA disagrees with the request. In developing an appropriate
compliance time for this action, the FAA considered the recommendations
of the manufacturer, the urgency associated with the subject unsafe
condition, the availability of required parts, and the practical aspect
of accomplishing the required actions within a period of time that
corresponds to the normal scheduled maintenance for most affected
operators. In consideration of these items, the FAA has determined that
a 32 month compliance time will ensure an acceptable level of safety.
However, under the provisions of paragraph (i) of this AD, the FAA will
consider requests for approval of an extension of the compliance time
if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that the new
compliance time would provide an acceptable level of safety. The FAA
has not changed 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-
SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024. This material
specifies procedures for a detailed inspection of the left-side and
right-side horizontal stabilizer pivot pin assemblies for misalignment
and incorrect gapping and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition
actions include replacement of the left or right horizontal stabilizer
pivot pin assembly if any misalignment or incorrect gapping is found.
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 145 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection.......................... 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $24,650
hour = $170.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement.................................. 12 work-hours x $85 per hour = $47,730 $48,750
$1,020.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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:

[[Page 14029]]

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:

2025-06-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22998; Docket No. FAA-
2024-2410; Project Identifier AD-2024-00509-T.

(a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 2, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and
787-10 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue
001, dated August 30, 2024.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by possible misalignment, at final
assembly, of the horizontal stabilizer pivot pin lockring, outer
pivot pin, and outboard spacer. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address a pivot pin outboard spacer that has been found to not be
set correctly flush against the horizontal stabilizer pivot bearing
and outboard washer due to a misaligned pivot pin lockring. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in decreased
lateral load capacity, which could cause the loss of pivot pin
retention parts and lead to loss of the horizontal stabilizer and
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-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001,
dated August 30, 2024, do all applicable actions identified in, and
in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
August 30, 2024.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
B787-81205-SB550013-00, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024, which is
referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-
SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024.

(h) Exceptions to Requirements Bulletin Specifications

(1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-
81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024, refers to
the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00
RB, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where flag notes [1] and [3] of Table 1 of Task 5 in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001,
dated August 30, 2024, state to do a detailed inspection of the
horizontal stabilizer pivot pin ``right side,'' this AD requires
replacing that text with ``left side.''
(3) Where Step 15 of Table 1 of Task 6 in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated
August 30, 2024, specifies to install a trap fitting having part
number ``182W6405-1,'' this AD requires replacing that text with
``313Z6455-501.''
(4) Where Tasks 5 to 8 specified in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin B787-81205-SB550013-00 RB, Issue 001, dated August 30,
2024, specify a part number for the antirotation plate of
``313Z6455-501,'' this AD requires replacing that text with ``-.''

(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 certification office,
send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph
(j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: AMOC@faa.gov.
(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, 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) Related 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)
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-SB550013-00
RB, Issue 001, dated August 30, 2024.
(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 March 21, 2025.
Paul R. Bernado,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-05295 Filed 3-27-25; 8:45 am]
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