AD 2022-03-21 Related To Fuel Tank Ignition Prevention And The Nitrogen Generation System

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 significant changes, including new or more restrictive requirements, made to the airworthiness limitations (AWLs) related to fuel tank ignition prevention and the nitrogen generation system. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective April 11, 2022.

Supplementary Information: 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 October 6, 2021 (86 FR 55538). The NPRM was prompted by significant changes, including new or more restrictive requirements, made to the AWLs related to fuel tank ignition prevention and the nitrogen generation system. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address ignition sources inside the fuel tanks and increased flammability exposure of the fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of an airplane.

FMI: www.regulations.gov