AD 2001-18-09 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, line numbers 001 through 093 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 (e) 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 find and fix cracking of the web of the horizontal and sloping pressure decks, which could result in rapid in-flight decompression of the airplane, accomplish the following: Initial Inspections (a) Do the inspections in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD at the compliance times specified in those paragraphs. Do the inspections according to the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-53-0004, dated May 11, 2000. (1) Area 1: Prior to the accumulation of 16,000 total flight cycles, do an internal high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection or an external low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspection of the horizontal pressure deck web in Inspection Area 1, as defined in the service bulletin. (2) Area 2: Prior to the accumulation of 31,000 total flight cycles, do an internal HFEC inspection or an external LFEC inspection of the horizontal pressure deck web, an internal HFEC inspection of the sloping pressure deck, and a detailed visual inspection of the stiffener end fittings at body station (BS) 1245 and the stiffener splice angles at BS 1287, in Inspection Area 2, as defined in the service bulletin. 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.” (3) Area 3: Prior to the accumulation of 46,000 total flight cycles, do an internal HFEC inspection or an external LFEC inspection of the horizontal pressure deck web, and an internal HFEC inspection of the sloping pressure deck, in Inspection Area 3, as defined in the service bulletin. Repetitive Inspections (b) Repeat the inspections in paragraph (a) of this AD at least every 2,500 flight cycles for areas inspected using the HFEC or detailed visual inspection method, or at least every 1,000 flight cycles for areas inspected using the LFEC inspection method, until paragraph (d) of this AD is done. Corrective Actions (c) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD: Before further flight, repair the affected area according to Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-53-0004, dated May 11, 2000; except, where the service bulletin says to contact Boeing for repairs, repair per a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or per data meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, 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. Repair according to this paragraph ends the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD for the repaired area. Optional Preventative Modification (d) Modification of Inspection Areas 1, 2, and 3, according to Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-53-0004, dated May 11, 2000, ends the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD for the modified area. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) 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 (f) 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 (g) With the exception of certain requirements in paragraph (c) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-53-0004, dated May 11, 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 (h) This amendment becomes effective on October 17, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 31, 2001. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-22588 Filed 9-11-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U