AD 2001-02-07 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes Powered by Pratt & Whitney Engines

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

Model 767 series airplanes powered by Pratt & Whitney engines, line numbers 1 through 663 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) 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 fatigue cracking in primary strut structure and consequent reduced structural integrity of the strut, accomplish the following: Modifications (a) When the airplane has reached the flight cycle threshold as defined by the flight cycle threshold formula described in Figure 1 of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-54-0080, dated October 7, 1999, or within 20 years since the date of manufacture, whichever occurs first: Modify the nacelle strut and wing structure on both the left and right sides of the airplane, in accordance with the service bulletin. Use of the flight cycle threshold formula described in Figure 1 of the service bulletin is an acceptable alternative to the 20-year threshold, provided the corrosion prevention and control program inspections, as described in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Figure 1, have been met. (b) Prior to or concurrently with the accomplishment of the modification of the nacelle strut and wing structure required by paragraph (a) of this AD; as specified in paragraph 1.D., Table 2, on page 8 of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-54-0080, dated October 7, 1999; accomplish the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletins 767-54-0069, Revision 1, dated January 29, 1998, or Revision 2, dated August 31, 2000; 767-54-0083, dated September 17, 1998; 767-54-0088, Revision 1, dated July 29, 1999; 767-54A0094, Revision 1, dated September 16, 1999; 767-57-0053, Revision 2, dated September 23, 1999; and 767-29-0057, dated December 16, 1993, including Notice of Status Change NSC 1, dated November 23, 1994; as applicable; in accordance with those service bulletins. Accomplishment of this paragraph constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by AD 94-11-02, amendment 39-8918, and AD 99-07-06, amendment 39-11091. Note 2: Paragraph (b) of this AD specifies prior or concurrent accomplishment of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57-0053, Revision 2, dated September 23, 1999; however, Table 2, on page 8 of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-54-0080, dated October 7, 1999, specifies prior or concurrent accomplishment of the original issue of the service bulletin. Therefore, accomplishment of the applicable actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-57-0053, dated June 27, 1996, or Revision 1, dated October 31, 1996, prior to the effective date of this AD, is considered acceptable for compliance with the actions required by paragraph (b) of this AD. Repair (c) If any damage (corrosion or cracking) to airplane structure is found during the accomplishment of the modification required by paragraph (a) of this AD; and the service bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or in accordance with data meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative who has been authorized by the FAA to make such findings. For a repair method to be approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically reference this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) 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 ACO. 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 (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) Except as provided by paragraph (c) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with the following Boeing service bulletins, as applicable:   Service bulletin No. Revision level Date 767-54-0080 Original October 7, 1999. 767-54-0069 1 January 29, 1998. 767-54-0069 2 August 31, 2000. 767-54-0083 Original September 17, 1998. 767-54-0088 1 July 29, 1999. 767-54A0094 1 September 16, 1999. 767-57-0053 2 September 23, 1999. 767-29-0057 Original December 16, 1993. 767-29-0057 NSC 1 Original November 23, 1994. 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 March 5, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 17, 2001. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-1947 Filed 1-26-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U