AD 2001-08-03 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, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0011, Revision 1, dated January 25, 2001, 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 migration or loss of the wearplate of the upper housing assembly of the forward trunnion of the main landing gear (MLG), which could result in loss of the MLG during the takeoff roll; consequent damage to the airplane structure; and injury to flight crew, passengers, or ground personnel; accomplish the following: Repetitive Inspections/Corrective Action (a) Within 50 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD: Do a detailed visual inspection of the upper housing assembly of the forward trunnion of the MLG for discrepancies (migrated or missing wearplates, loose or fractured attachment screws), per Part 1 “Inspection” of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0011, Revision 1, dated January 25, 2001. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” (1) If no wearplate migration or loose or fractured attachment screw is found: Repeat the inspection no later than every 100 flight cycles, until paragraph (b) of this AD has been done. (2) If loose or fractured attachment screws are found but no wearplate migration is found: Repeat the inspection no later than every 50 flight cycles, until paragraph (b) of this AD has been done. (3) If the wearplate is partially migrated, before further flight, do the modification specified in paragraph (b) of this AD. (4) If the wearplate is fully migrated or missing, before further flight, replace the fuse pins of the lower housing assembly per the service bulletin, and do the modification specified in paragraph (b) of this AD. Optional Terminating Modification (b) Do the modification of the upper housing assembly per Part 2 “Modification” of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0011, Revision 1, dated January 25, 2001. Doing this modification ends the repetitive inspections required by this AD. 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 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 (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 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 actions shall be done per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0011, Revision 1, dated January 25, 2001. 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 May 8, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 11, 2001. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-9662 Filed 4-20-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P