AD 2000-03-21 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes

Models named: 767. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 767 airplanes, as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0163, Revision 1, dated October 1, 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 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 interference between the landing gear control lever and wire bundles adjacent to the landing gear control lever module, and to prevent wire chafing and arcing between the landing gear control cable and adjacent wire bundles, which could result in the inability to extend the landing gear prior to landing, accomplish the following: Detailed Visual Inspection (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect discrepancies (i.e., cut, abrasion, fraying, and arcing) of the wire expando sleeve of the wire bundles adjacent to the landing gear control lever module, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-32A0163, dated March 5, 1998, or Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0163, Revision 1, dated October 1, 1998. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirrors, magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” Note 3: Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0163, Revision 1, dated October 1, 1998, specifies the preferred procedures for separating the wire bundles into two groups for wrapping, which is an easier method for accomplishing those actions. Follow-On Actions, Repair, and Wire Wrapping (1) If no discrepancy of the wire expando sleeve is detected, prior to further flight, wrap the wire expando sleeve in accordance with the alert service bulletin or Revision 1. (2) If any discrepancy of the wire expando sleeve is detected, prior to further flight, perform a detailed visual inspection to detect discrepancies of the varglas layer, in accordance with the alert service bulletin or Revision 1. (i) If no discrepancy of the varglas layer is detected, prior to further flight, repair and wrap the wire expando sleeve in accordance with the alert service bulletin or Revision 1. (ii) If any discrepancy of the varglas layer is detected, prior to further flight, perform a detailed visual inspection to detect discrepancies of the wire bundles, in accordance with the alert service bulletin or Revision 1. (A) If no discrepancy of the wire bundles is detected, prior to further flight, rewrap the wires with new varglas layer, and repair and wrap the wire expando sleeve in accordance with the alert service bulletin or Revision 1. (B) If any discrepancy of the wire bundles is detected, prior to further flight, repair the wires, rewrap the wire bundles with new varglas layer, and repair and wrap the wire expando sleeve in accordance with the alert service bulletin or Revision 1. 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 4: 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 Alert Service Bulletin 767-32A0163, dated March 5, 1998, or Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0163, Revision 1, dated October 1, 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 28, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 11, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-3795 Filed 2-18-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U