AD 2000-16-16 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, line numbers 1 through 85 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 (d)(1) 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 minimize contamination of the switch contacts and consequent failure of the switches, which, if not corrected, could result in inability of the flight crew to activate the cargo fire extinguishing, fuel, air conditioning, and alternate flap systems, accomplish the following: Replacement and Reidentification (a) For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0019, Revision 4, dated April 27, 2000, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this AD, within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, perform the actions in either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD. (1) Replace the existing switch modules with new switch modules (including changing the part number of the reworked module assemblies and control stand assembly) in accordance with Method I of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0019, Revision 4, dated April 27, 2000. (2) Replace the existing switch modules with new switch modules, and replace the existing module assemblies with new module assemblies or reworked module assemblies (including changing the part number of the control stand assembly), in accordance with Method II of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0019, Revision 4, dated April 27, 2000. Note 2: Replacements accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0019, dated October 2, 1997; Revision 1, dated March 12, 1998; Revision 2, dated March 25, 1999; or Revision 3, dated January 27, 2000; are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. (b) For Group 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0019, Revision 4, dated April 27, 2000, on which a guarded toggle passenger oxygen switch has been installed: Accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD is not required for the passenger oxygen switch or window heat/emergency light module assembly. Spares (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any airplane, any part listed in the “Existing Part Number” column of the table listed in paragraph II.D., “Existing Parts Accountability,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0019, Revision 4, dated April 27, 2000. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d)(1) 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. (2) Alternative methods of compliance approved previously in accordance with AD 96-20-01, amendment 39-9767, are not considered to be approved as alternative methods of compliance with this AD. 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 (e) 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 (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0019, Revision 4, dated April 27, 2000. 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. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on September 25, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 11, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-20965 Filed 8-18-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U