FAA eyes Boeing 787 cowl fixes for debris defense
Published Date: 8/7/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report indicating that the protection system on the left fan cowl of the right engine does not sufficiently cover the components and systems from possible cross engine debris. This proposed AD would require performing a maintenance records check or inspection of the right engine to determine the part number of the left fan cowl and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Required inspection of right-engine fan cowl
If you operate certain Boeing Model 787-8, 787-9, or 787-10 airplanes with Rolls Royce Trent 1000-AE3, -CE3, -D3, -G3, -H3, -J3, or -K3 engines, the FAA would require a maintenance records check or inspection of the right engine to determine the left fan cowl part number and do any on-condition actions. The required actions reference Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin B787-81205-SB540022-00 RB, Issue 001, dated February 19, 2026, and comments on this proposed AD are due by September 21, 2026.
Prohibition on installing certain fan cowl parts
As of the effective date of the AD, no person may install a right-engine left fan cowl with part numbers 725Z2300-307, 725Z2300-305, or 725Z2300-5003 on any airplane. This prohibition applies to the same Boeing Model 787 airplanes equipped with the listed Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engine models.
On-condition modification and replacement cost estimates
If the inspection finds affected parts, the FAA estimates on-condition modification of a fan cowl would cost about $5,226 per airplane (labor $510 and parts $4,716), and replacement is estimated at 2 work-hours × $85 = $170 labor per airplane (parts cost not definitively estimated). The FAA states it cannot determine how many airplanes will need modification or replacement and that some costs may be covered under warranty.
Estimated inspection cost and U.S. fleet affected
The FAA estimates this AD would affect 22 U.S.-registered airplanes and that a maintenance records check or inspection would cost 3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 per airplane, for a total estimated cost on U.S. operators of $5,610. Comments on the proposed AD are due by September 21, 2026.
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