AD 2000-07-13 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757-200 and -200PF Series Airplanes

Models named: 757-200, -200PF series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 757-200 and -200PF series airplanes, line numbers 1 through 806 inclusive; 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 (e) 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 corroded fuse pins, which could result in the main landing gear (MLG) separating from the wing, and consequent damage to the airplane and possible rupture of the wing fuel tank, accomplish the following: Repetitive Inspections (a) Perform a detailed visual inspection to detect loose fuse pins in the outboard beam attachment and forward trunnion support on the MLG and to detect corrosion on the structure adjacent to the fuse pin, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-57A0054, including Appendix A, dated November 5, 1998, or Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57A0054, Revision 1, including Appendix A, dated December 16, 1999; at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles or 24 months, whichever occurs first, until accomplishment of paragraph (d) of this AD. (1) Prior to 4 years since date of manufacture of the airplane; or (2) Within 3,000 flight cycles or 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual 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 intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” (b) For airplanes on which the alloy steel fuse pins were replaced prior to the effective date of this AD: Perform the initial inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD within 4 years or 6,000 flight cycles after installation of the pins, whichever occurs later. Thereafter, accomplish the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD at the time specified in that paragraph. Corrective Action (c) If any loose fuse pin or corrosion on the structure adjacent to the fuse pin is detected during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, perform the applicable corrective action [i.e., detailed visual inspections for cracks or corrosion, repair of discrepant parts, and replacement of fuse pin] in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-57A0054, including Appendix A, dated November 5, 1998, or Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57A0054, Revision 1, including Appendix A, dated December 16, 1999. Replacement of an alloy steel fuse pin with a new corrosion resistant steel (CRES) fuse pin constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD for that fuse pin only. Terminating Action (d) At the next scheduled MLG overhaul, or within 12 years after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, replace all alloy steel fuse pins with new CRES fuse pins in the outboard beam attachment and forward trunnion support on the MLG in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-57A0054, including Appendix A, dated November 5, 1998, or Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57A0054, Revision 1, including Appendix A, dated December 16, 1999. Accomplishment of the action specified in this paragraph constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) 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 3: 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 (f) 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 (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-57A0054, including Appendix A, dated November 5, 1998, or Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57A0054, Revision 1, including Appendix A, dated December 16, 1999. 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. (h) This amendment becomes effective on May 16, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 3, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-8685 Filed 4-10-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U