Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD US-2023-08-02

Cargo and Accessory Compartments - Bilge Barrier Assembly - Replacement

Published: Jun 15, 2023
Effective: Jun 20, 2023
Deadline: Jun 20, 2023
Replaces: 2018-05-06
Replaces: 2021-08-19

Boeing 787 8 9 10

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What to do

Operators of affected Boeing 787-8, -9, and -10 airplanes must comply with the AD by June 20, 2023, by changing or replacing the bilge barrier assemblies in the forward and aft cargo compartments as specified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB500011-00 RB, Issue 001, dated May 10, 2022. Until this action is completed, repetitive inspections for torn or disengaged decompression panels must continue. Stakeholders should review the service bulletin and coordinate with Boeing and FAA for parts and procedures.

Summary

Airworthiness Directive 2023-08-02 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration addressing certain Boeing 787-8, -9, and -10 airplanes. It requires changing or replacing the bilge barrier assembly in the forward and aft cargo compartments to prevent issues with torn decompression panels. This directive supersedes previous ADs related to inspections and replacements of these panels to enhance cargo compartment safety.

What changed

This AD supersedes AD 2018-05-06 and AD 2021-08-19, retaining their inspection requirements but adding a new mandatory action to change or replace the bilge barrier assemblies in both forward and aft cargo compartments. The applicability was limited to specific airplanes identified in Boeing's service bulletin, and the AD now explicitly covers both cargo compartments rather than only the forward compartment. It also clarifies the supersession of AD 2018-05-06 and addresses comments from industry stakeholders.

Why it matters

This directive addresses the risk of torn decompression panels in the bilge area, which could lead to leakage and insufficient Halon concentration during a cargo fire, compromising fire suppression effectiveness. For operators and maintenance teams, compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft by preventing potential fire control failures. It also streamlines compliance by terminating repetitive inspections once the bilge barrier assembly is replaced.

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