AD 2020-22-10 Requires An Inspection Of The Foam Insulation On The Overhead Panel Support Structure

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. This AD is effective January 14, 2021.

Supplementary Information: 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.

FMI: www.regulations.gov