Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22417 · Cargo and accessory compartments
The Boeing Company Airplanes
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8, -9, and -10 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB500011-00 RB, Issue 001, dated May 10, 2022.
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-05-06 and AD 2021-08-19, which both applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8, -9, and -10 airplanes. AD 2018-05-06 required repetitive inspections of the bilge barriers located in the forward and aft cargo compartments for disengaged decompression panels, and reinstalling any disengaged panels; and required replacing the existing decompression panels with new panels and straps, which terminated the repetitive inspections. AD 2021-08-19 required repetitive general visual inspections for disengaged or damaged decompression panels of the bilge barriers located in the forward and aft cargo compartments, reinstallation of disengaged but undamaged panels, and replacement of damaged panels. This AD was prompted by reports of multiple incidents of torn decompression panels found in the bilge area, and the development of new procedures for changing or replacing the bilge barrier assembly in the forward and aft cargo compartments. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2021-08-19 and requires changing or replacing the bilge barrier assembly in the forward and aft cargo compartments, which terminates the repetitive inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2021-08-19 with no changes. At the applicable times specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD: Do a general visual inspection for disengaged or damaged (torn) decompression panels of the bilge barriers located in the forward and aft cargo compartments. If any disengaged but undamaged panel is found: Before further flight, reinstall the panel. If any damaged panel is found: Before further flight, replace the panel with a new or serviceable panel. Reinstallations and replacements must be done in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.
(1) If a general visual inspection for disengaged or damaged (torn) decompression panels of the bilge barriers was done before May 5, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-08-19): Do the next inspection within 4 calendar months after the most recent inspection. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4 calendar months.
(2) If a general visual inspection for disengaged or damaged (torn) decompression panels of the bilge barriers was not done before May 5, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-08-19): Do the initial inspection within 30 days after May 5, 2021. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4 calendar months.
This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (h) of AD 2021-08-19 with no changes. If any decompression panel inspected as required by this AD is disengaged or damaged, the airplane may be operated as specified in the operator's existing FAA-approved minimum equipment list (MEL), provided provisions that address the disengaged or damaged decompression panels are included in the MEL.
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-SB500011-00 RB, Issue 001, dated May 10, 2022, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB500011-00 RB, Issue 001, dated May 10, 2022. Accomplishing the actions required by this paragraph terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
Note 1 to paragraph (i): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB500011-00, Issue 001, dated May 10, 2022, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB500011-00 RB, Issue 001, dated May 10, 2022.
Where the Compliance Time column of the table in the “Compliance” paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB500011-00 RB, Issue 001, dated May 10, 2022, uses the phrase “the Issue 001 date of Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB500011-00 RB,” this AD requires using “the effective date of this AD.”
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Aircraft
