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\n2020-26-08 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21363; Docket No. FAA- 2020-0465; Product Identifier 2020-NM-074-AD. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD is effective January 27, 2021. \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, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes, certificated in any category, powered by Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tAir Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78, Engine Exhaust. \n\n(e) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by reports of damageto the 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. \n\n(f) Compliance \n\n\n\tComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) Required Actions \n\n\n\tExcept 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, 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. \n\tNote 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by 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. \n\n(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications \n\n\n\tWhere Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020, uses the phrase ''the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 RB,'' this AD requires using ''the effective date of this AD.'' \n\n(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO 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 local Flight Standards District 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:
[email protected]. \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 AMOCthat 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, Seattle ACO 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. \n\n(j) Related Information \n\n\n\t(1) For more information about this AD, contact Tak Kobayashi, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA; phone: 206-231-3553; email:
[email protected]. \n\t(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of this AD. \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 Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB780041-00 RB, Issue 001, dated March 31, 2020. \n\t(ii) (Reserved) \n\t(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- 5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced 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. \n\t(4) 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. \n\n((Page 83759)) \n\n\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, email
[email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. \n\n\n\tIssued on December 9, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (FR Doc. 2020-28268 Filed 12-22-20; 8:45 am) BILLING CODE 4910-13-P