- Effective
- January 14, 2021
- Published
- December 10, 2020 · 85 FR 79411–79413
- Issued
- October 19, 2020
- Supersedes
- AD2018-14-02
- Models
- 777-200 Series, 777-200LR Series, 777-300 Series, 777-300ER Series
- Data sheet
- TCDST00001SE
- Registered aircraft
- 233 matched by model
- Product
- Aircraft · Large airplane
- ATA chapter
- 25 · Equipment and furnishings
- Amendment
- 39-21306
- Docket
- FAA-2020-0586
- Issued as
- Final rule
Unofficial copy from the Federal Register XML, document 2020-27005. Only the govinfo PDF is the legal edition. DRS record last changed May 30, 2024.
Copies of the files this page was built from, with their SHA-256. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
| File | Size | SHA-256 | Original |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official PDF | 232 KB | d43846b8…a47b53b | 2020-27005.pdf on govinfo.gov |
| Federal Register XML | 21 KB | 220b79e0…fee3316 | 2020-27005.xml on federalregister.gov |
| FAA DRS HTML attachment | 65 KB | ac6ebe25…ac6910b | FAA DRS (API key needed) |
| FAA DRS PDF | 650 KB | 177dac57…a9cc1ff | FAA DRS (API key needed) |
On this page
Summary
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-14-02, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes. AD 2018-14-02 required an inspection for foam insulation on the dripshield above the overhead panel support structure and replacement if necessary. For certain airplanes, AD 2018-14-02 also required replacement of foam insulation on the overhead panel support structure. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2018-14-02, and, for certain airplanes, this AD requires an inspection of the foam insulation on the overhead panel support structure, and replacement if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports that additional areas of Boeing Material Specification (BMS) 8-39 flexible urethane foam were found on the overhead panel support structure in the flight compartment. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
The airworthiness directive
2020-22-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21306; Docket No. FAA-2020-0586; Product Identifier 2020-NM-066-AD.
(a) Effective Date
PDF page 2This AD is effective January 14, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
PDF page 2This AD replaces AD 2018-14-02, Amendment 39-19322 (83 FR 31650, July 9, 2018) (“AD 2018-14-02”).
(c) Applicability
PDF page 2This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 2, dated February 28, 2020.
(d) Subject
PDF page 2Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
PDF page 2This AD was prompted by reports that additional areas of Boeing Material Specification (BMS) 8-39 flexible urethane foam were found on the overhead panel support structure in the flight compartment. The degradation of the foam over time increases the potential for an uncontrolled fire below the passenger compartment floor and other locations outside the areas covered by smoke detection and fire protection systems. The FAA is issuing this AD to address BMS 8-39 flexible urethane foam found in certain areas of an airplane, which, if exposed to an ignition source, could cause loss of control of the airplane during a fire.
(f) Compliance
PDF page 2Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
PDF page 2Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 2, dated February 28, 2020, do all applicable actions identified as “RC” (required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 2, dated February 28, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
PDF page 2(1) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 2, dated February 28, 2020, uses the phrase “the Revision 2 date of this service bulletin,” this AD requires using “the effective date of AD 2018-14-02.”
(2) For any Group 1 Configuration 3 airplane as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 2, dated February 28, 2020, no action is required by this AD, provided that airplane remains in that configuration.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
PDF page 2(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) 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 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.
(4) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2018-14-02 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 2, dated February 28, 2020, that are required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(5) For service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (i)(5)(i) and (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. If a step or substep is labeled “RC Exempt,” then the RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. 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.
(j) Related Information
PDF page 3For more information about this AD, contact Julie Linn, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3584; email: Julie.Linn@faa.gov.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
PDF page 3(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 Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 2, dated February 28, 2020.
(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 90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(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.
(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 fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Rule preamble
The FAA’s background, reasoning and cost estimate, published with the AD.
DatesPage 1
This AD is effective January 14, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 14, 2021.
AddressesPage 1
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 90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.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 on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0586.
For further information contactPage 1
Julie Linn, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3584; email: Julie.Linn@faa.gov.
DiscussionPage 1
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2018-14-02, Amendment 39-19322 (83 FR 31650, July 9, 2018) (“AD 2018-14-02”). AD 2018-14-02 applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 28, 2020 (85 FR 45357). The NPRM was prompted by reports that additional areas of BMS 8-39 flexible urethane foam were found on the overhead panel support structure in the flight compartment. The degradation of the foam over time increases the potential for an uncontrolled fire below the passenger compartment floor and other locations outside the areas covered by smoke detection and fire protection systems. The NPRM proposed to continue to require the actions in AD 2018-14-02, and, for certain airplanes, the NPRM also proposed to require an inspection of the foam insulation on the overhead panel support structure, and replacement if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address BMS 8-39 flexible urethane foam found in certain areas of an airplane, which, if exposed to an ignition source, could cause loss of control of the airplane during a fire.
CommentsPage 1
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The FAA has considered the comments received. Boeing and United Airlines indicated their support for the NPRM.
ConclusionPage 1
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51Page 1
The FAA reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 2, dated February 28, 2020. This service information describes procedures for removal and replacement of the foam on the overhead panel support structure; a general visual inspection for foam insulation on the dripshield above the overhead panel support structure; a detailed inspection for foam insulation on the overhead panel support structure; and replacement if necessary. 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 CompliancePage 1
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 132 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
| Action | Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product | Cost on U.S. operators |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspection and replacement of foam insulation (retained actions from AD 2018-14-02) | Up to 32 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $2,720 | $5,611 | Up to $8,331 | Up to $1,099,692. |
| Detailed inspection and replacement (new proposed action) | Up to 18 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $1,530 | $5,840 | Up to $7,370 | Up to $972,840. |
Authority for This RulemakingPage 2
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 findingsPage 2
The FAA has determined that 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.
Adoption of the AmendmentPage 2
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
Adoption of the amendmentPage 2
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-14-02, Amendment 39-19322 (83 FR 31650, July 9, 2018), and
b: Adding the following new AD:
Affected TCDS · 1
The type certificate data sheets for the models this AD names, matched by model and maker.
Registered aircraft · 233
Registered aircraft whose airframe or engine model this AD names. Matched by model only, so check each against the AD’s applicability.
| 1995 | 7 |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1997 | 12 |
| 1998 | 10 |
| 1999 | 28 |
| 2000 | 26 |
| 2001 | 22 |
| 2002 | 11 |
| 2003 | 5 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 3 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 8 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 12 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 2 |
54 with no year recorded