AD 2000-02-11 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 Series Airplanes

Models named: 777-200 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 777-200 series airplanes, as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-57-0033, including Appendix A, both dated March 26, 1998, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent fuel or fuel vapors from entering the passenger and cargo compartments of the airplane in the event of a failure of the primary seal or development of a crack in the wing center section structure, accomplish the following: Corrective Actions (a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, apply sealant to the upper surface on the wing center section under the overwing stub beams on the left and right sides of the airplane, in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 777-57-0033, dated March 26, 1998. Alternative Methods of Compliance (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO. Special Flight Permits (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 777-57-0033, dated March 26, 1998, including Appendix A, dated March 26, 1998. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle Washington, 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (e) This amendment becomes effective on March 2, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 20, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-1766 Filed 1-26-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P