AD 2001-20-11 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757 Series Airplanes

Models named: 757 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model 757 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 (f)(1) 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 unacceptable airframe vibration during flight, which could lead to excessive wear of elevator bearings and result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: RESTATEMENT OF REQUIREMENTS OF AD 89-03-05 Repetitive Elevator Freeplay Checks (a) For Boeing Model 757 series airplanes listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0086, dated June 9, 1988, on which the elevator power control actuator (PCA) rod-end and reaction link rod-end bearings are lubricated at intervals of 1,000 flight hours or less, in accordance with Boeing Service Letter 757-SL-27-26, dated April 1, 1988, and on which paragraph (d) of AD 89-03-05 was not done: Within the next 90 days after March 6, 1989 (the effective date of AD 89-03-05, amendment 39-6120), or prior to the accumulation of 4,000 flight hours total time-in-service, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight hours, perform an elevator freeplay check in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0086, dated June 9, 1988, or Revision 2, dated July 27, 1989. Doing paragraph (d) of this AD ends the repetitive inspections required by this paragraph. Note 2: Use of a scale having graduations of 0.010 inch or finer may be used to measure the freeplay, as required by paragraphs (a), (b), and (d) of this AD. (b) For Boeing Model 757 series airplanes listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0086, dated June 9, 1988, not subject to paragraph (a) of this AD, and on which paragraph (d) of AD 89-03-05 was not done: Within the next 90 days after March 6, 1989, or prior to the accumulation of 3,000 flight hours total time-in-service, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight hours, perform an elevator freeplay check in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0086, dated June 9, 1988, or Revision 2, dated July 27, 1989. Doing paragraph (d) of this AD ends the repetitive inspections required by this paragraph. Replacement (c) If freeplay of the elevator exceeds the limits specified in the service bulletin during any check per this AD: Before further flight, replace elevator PCA reaction link rod-end bearings and PCA rod-end bearings, as necessary, with new, improved bearings, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0086, dated June 9, 1988, or Revision 2, dated July 27, 1989. After the effective date of this AD, use only Revision 2 of the service bulletin. Regardless of the sequence for replacing specific bearings listed in the alert service bulletin, defective bearings must be replaced when they are discovered. NEW REQUIREMENTS OF THIS AD Repetitive Elevator Freeplay Checks (d) For all airplanes, do elevator freeplay checks per Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0086, Revision 2, dated July 27, 1989. Before further flight after the freeplay checks, lubricate the bearings in the elevator PCA load loop and hinge line. Use of either the BMS3-24 or BMS3-33 grease will be acceptable, as long as the grease types are not intermixed on any individual bearing. Do these actions per the schedule in the following table: Table 1.—Compliance Schedule For airplanes subject to— Do the initial check and lubrication— Repeat the check and lubrication thereafter at least every— Inspection per paragraph (d) of this AD ends the requirements of— (1) Paragraph (a) of this AD Within 4,000 flight hours after the most recent inspection per paragraph (a) of AD 89-03-05, or 18 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first 18 months Paragraph (a) of this AD. (2) Paragraph (b) of this AD Within 3,000 flight hours after the most recent inspection per paragraph (b) of AD 89-03-05 or 18 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first 18 months Paragraph (b) of this AD. (3) Neither paragraph (a) nor (b) of this AD 3,000 total flight hours or 180 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later 18 months N/A. Replacement (e) If freeplay of the elevator exceeds the limits specified in the service bulletin during any check per paragraph (d) of this AD: Before further flight, replace elevator PCA reaction link rod-end bearings and PCA rod-end bearings, as necessary, with new, improved bearings, per Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0086, Revision 2, dated July 27, 1989. Note 3: The replacement required by paragraph (e) of this AD may be accomplished with reaction link bearings having either Boeing part number (P/N) S251N214-8 (Rexnord P/N DRX34C) or S251N214-11 (Rexnord P/N DRX34B). The Boeing PCA assembly, P/N S251N211-11, contains Rexnord P/N DRX32B. Alternative Methods of Compliance (f)(1) 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. (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in accordance with AD 89-03-05, amendment 39-6120, are NOT considered to be approved as alternative methods of compliance with this AD. 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 (g) 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 (h) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0086, dated June 9, 1988; or Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0086, Revision 2, dated July 27, 1989; 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 (i) This amendment becomes effective on November 15, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 2, 2001. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-25183 Filed 10-10-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U