AD 2000-23-28 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Series Airplanes

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

All Model 777 series airplanes, 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 damage to the engine fire shutoff switch (EFSS) solenoid and to the override mechanism, and consequent failure of the EFSS, which could result in the inability of the flightcrew to discharge the fire extinguishing agent in the event of an engine fire, accomplish the following: Restatement of Actions Required by AD 97-10-11 Repetitive Testing of the EFSS (a) For all airplanes: Within 14 days after May 27, 1997 (the effective date of AD 97-10-11, amendment 39-10023), perform a test of the EFSS of both the left- and right-hand engines to determine if the override mechanism and the switch handle are operational, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-26A0012, dated May 1, 1997. (1) If the override mechanism and the switch handle of the EFSS are operational, prior to further flight, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (a)(1)(i) or (a)(1)(ii) of this AD, as applicable, in accordance with the alert service bulletin. (i) For Group 1 airplanes identified in the alert service bulletin: Install a collar on circuit breaker C26612 of panel P310 of the standby power management panel. Following accomplishment of this installation, prior to further flight, install placards near the EFSS of both engines and near the auxiliary power unit (APU) EFSS to advise the flightcrew that the override mechanism must be pushed in order to pull the fire switch. (ii) For Group 2 airplanes identified in the alert service bulletin: Ensure that a collar is installed on circuit breaker C26612 of panel P310 of the standby power management panel. If a collar is not installed, prior to further flight, install a collar on circuit breaker C26612 of panel P310 of the standby power management panel. (2) If the override mechanism or the switch handle of the EFSS is not operational, prior to further flight, replace the EFSS with a new or serviceable EFSS, in accordance with the alert service bulletin. (b) For all airplanes: Repeat the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours. New Actions Required by This AD Terminating Action (c) For all airplanes: Within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions specified in either paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-26A0009, dated October 23, 1997. (1) Verify that the airplane does not have an engine fire control module having part number (P/N) 233W6201-1, and that the airplane configuration is equivalent to that specified in the alert service bulletin. If the airplane meets the requirements in this paragraph, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If the airplane does not meet the requirements specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD: Remove the engine fire control module, P/N 233W6201-1, and replace it with P/N 233W6201-5; activate the circuit breaker C26612 in the P310 panel; and remove the placards in the flight deck compartment; in accordance with the alert service bulletin. Accomplishment of this paragraph constitutes terminating action for the repetitive testing requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD. Spares (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install an engine fire control module, P/N 233W6201-1, or engine fire switches P/N S231W263-1 or -2, on any airplane. 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. 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 (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 777-26A0012, dated May 1, 1997, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-26A0009, dated October 23, 1997. (1) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-26A0009, dated October 23, 1997, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-26A0012, dated May 1, 1997, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 27, 1997 (62 FR 25837, May 12, 1997). (3) 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 (h) This amendment becomes effective on January 2, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 15, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-29799 Filed 11-27-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U