AD 2001-04-09 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes

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

All Model 767 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 (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 continued operation with yielded or failed shear rivets on a bellcrank assembly for the elevator power control actuator (PCA), which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Repetitive Tests (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a test of the elevator PCA bellcranks to determine if an elevator PCA is rigged incorrectly due to yielded or failed shear rivets in a bellcrank assembly, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0168 (for Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes), or 767-27A0169 (for Model 767-400ER series airplanes), both dated November 21, 2000; as applicable. Repeat the test thereafter at least every 400 flight hours. Accomplishment of these repetitive tests is acceptable for compliance with the functional check of the elevator system required by a Certification Maintenance Requirement that is documented as Item Number 27-31-00-5B in the Boeing 767 Maintenance Planning Document. Follow-on Actions (b) If an elevator PCA is determined to be rigged incorrectly during any test per paragraph (a) of this AD, before further flight, do a one-time inspection to measure penetration depth of shear rivets of all three elevator bellcrank assemblies of the affected elevator surface, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0168 (for Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes), or 767-27A0169 (for Model 767-400ER series airplanes), both dated November 21, 2000; as applicable. (1) If the measured penetration depth of the shear rivets on all bellcrank assemblies is 0.50 inch or more: Before further flight, re-rig the elevator PCA correctly per the applicable service bulletin. (2) If the measured shear rivet penetration depth on any single bellcrank assembly is less than 0.50 inch: Before further flight, repair the bellcrank assembly by replacing the shear rivets or replace the bellcrank assembly, and reassemble and re-rig the elevator control system, per the applicable service bulletin. Then, do paragraph (c) of this AD. Reporting Requirement (On-Condition) (c) If the penetration depth of any of the shear rivets is less than 0.50 inch, submit a report of inspection findings to the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; fax (425) 227-1181. Submit the report at the applicable time specified in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (1) For airplanes on which the inspection is done after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 15 days after doing the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD. (2) For airplanes on which the inspection was done prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of 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 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 (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 per paragraph (c) of this AD, the actions shall be done per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0168, dated November 21, 2000, or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0169, dated November 21, 2000; as applicable. 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 20, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 21, 2001. Charles D. Huber, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-4762 Filed 3-2-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P