AD 2001-23-14 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 (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 prevent a fractured spring washer in a geared rotary actuator (GRA) for the leading edge slats, which could lead to a disconnect in the GRA, and result in a slat skew condition and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Inspection To Determine Serial Numbers (a) At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, to determine the part number series and serial number for each GRA for the leading edge slats, review the maintenance records for the airplane, or inspect the 20 GRAs for the leading edge slats according to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0133 (for Model 757-200, 757-200CB, and 757-200PF series airplanes), or 757-27A0134 (for Model 757-300 series airplanes), both dated October 11, 2000; as applicable. (1) For slat number 2 outboard, slat number 9 outboard, slat number 4 inboard, and slat number 7 inboard on Boeing 757-200 series airplanes with line numbers (L/N) 1 through 803, on which an enhanced slat skew or loss detection system has NOT been installed according to Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27-0126, dated May 11, 2000, or Boeing Production Revision Record 54755: Do the review or inspection within 18 months after the effective date of this AD. (2) For slats other than those in the locations identified in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, on the airplanes identified in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, AND for all slats on airplanes other than those identified in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD: Do the review or inspection within 36 months after the effective date of this AD. If No Subject GRA Is Installed—No Further Action (b) If no GRA has a part number series and serial number listed under Section 1.A. of Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletins 5006397/755299-27-21 or 5006398/755300-27-21, both dated January 24, 2000; or if GRAs with a part number series and serial number listed in the referenced service bulletins have been reworked previously and the modification plates are marked with “-21”: No further action is required by this AD. If Any Subject GRAs Are Installed—Corrective Actions (c) For any GRA with a part number series and serial number listed under Section 1.A. of Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletins 5006397/755299-27-21 or 5006398/755300-27-21, both dated January 24, 2000, that does not have a modification plate marked with “-21”: At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, replace the subject GRA with a new or reworked GRA, according to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0133 (for Model 757-200, 757-200CB, and 757-200PF series airplanes), or 757-27A0134 (for Model 757-300 series airplanes), both dated October 11, 2000; as applicable. (1) For slat number 2 outboard, slat number 9 outboard, slat number 4 inboard, and slat number 7 inboard on Boeing Model 757-200 series airplanes with L/N 1 through 803, on which an enhanced slat skew or loss detection system has NOT been installed according to Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27-0126, dated May 11, 2000, or Boeing Production Revision Record 54755: Replace any subject GRA within 18 months after the effective date of this AD. (2) For slats other than those in the positions identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, on the airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, AND for all slats on airplanes other than those identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD: Replace any subject GRA within 36 months after the effective date of this AD. Spares (d) After the effective date of this AD, no one may install a GRA that has a part number series and serial number listed under Section 1.A. of Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletins 5006397/755299-27-21 or 5006398/755300-27-21, both dated January 24, 2000, on any airplane, unless the part has been reworked and the modification plate has been marked with “-21.” 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 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 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 (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) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0133, dated October 11, 2000; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0134, dated October 11, 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 (h) This amendment becomes effective on December 31, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 15, 2001. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-29186 Filed 11-23-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U