AD 2001-12-03 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-300 Series Airplanes

Models named: 767-300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 767-300 series airplanes, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-33A0085, Revision 2, dated December 7, 2000, 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 (b) 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 wires in certain wire bundles due to contact between the bundles and the adjacent ceiling support bracket, which could result in electrical arcing, smoke, or fire in the cabin, and failure of certain systems essential to safe flight and landing of the airplane, accomplish the following: One-Time Inspection/Corrective Actions (a) Accomplish the requirements in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable, at the times specified. (1) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a one-time general visual inspection to find chafing and determine adequate clearance of the wire bundles above the F4/G2 galley, per Figure 1 or Figure 3, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-33A0085, Revision 2, dated December 7, 2000. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to find obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.” (2) If chafing and/or inadequate clearance is found: Before further flight, repair or replace damaged wires in the wire bundles; install a bracket assembly on the wire bundle support bracket; install nut spacer plates; and re-route the wire bundles away from the ceiling support bracket, as applicable, as specified by and per Figure 2 or Figure 3, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin. Note 3: Accomplishment of the one-time inspection and corrective actions before the effective date of this AD per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-33A0085, dated May 11, 2000; or Revision 1, dated August 31, 2000, is considered acceptable for compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (b) 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 4: 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 (c) 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 (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-33A0085, Revision 2, dated December 7, 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 (e) This amendment becomes effective on July 18, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 4, 2001. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-14531 Filed 6-12-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P