AD 2001-03-09 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Series Airplanes

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

Model 777 series airplanes, line numbers 1 through 155 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 (c) 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 loose or missing nuts on the clevis assemblies that support the auxiliary tracks of the inboard leading edge slats, which could cause the slats to be loose or in an incorrect position and result in partial or total failure or loss of the slats, accomplish the following: Replacement (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, replace nuts having part number NAS1805-5L on the clevis assemblies that support the auxiliary tracks (outboard, center, and inboard) of the inboard leading edge slats with new nuts purchased from the airplane manufacturer after October 31, 1999, in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-57-0038, dated February 24, 2000. Spares (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install any nut having part number NAS1805-5L on any airplane unless it was purchased from the airplane manufacturer after October 31, 1999. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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 (d) 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 (e) The replacement shall be done in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-57-0038, dated February 24, 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 (f) This amendment becomes effective on March 23, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 8, 2001. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-3694 Filed 2-15-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P