AD 2002-01-15 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F Series Airplanes

Models named: 767-200, -300, -300F series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes, line numbers 1 through 819 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 (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 failure of the bearings in the link assembly joint in the inboard and outboard flaps of the trailing edge, which could result in separation of the outboard flap and consequent loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following: Initial Inspection (a) Do general visual inspections of the lubrication passage and link assembly joint in the inboard and outboard flaps of the trailing edge for discrepancies (e.g., lubrication passage blocked, fractured bearing, loose or damaged joint), at the times specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable; per Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0167, 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 detect 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.” (1) For airplanes that have done Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD. (2) For airplanes that have not done Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin: Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD or within 36 months after date of manufacture of the airplane, whichever is later. Repetitive Inspections/Corrective Action (b) Do the actions required by paragraph (b)(1), (b)(2), or (b)(3) of this AD, as applicable, at the time specified, per the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0167, dated December 7, 2000. (1) If the lubrication passage is not blocked and no fractured bearing or loose or damaged joint is found, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD every 6 months. (2) If the lubrication passage is blocked and no fractured bearing or loose or damaged joint is found, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD every 30 days, and within 6 months after doing the initial inspection, do the actions required by paragraph (b)(3) of this AD. (3) If any fractured bearing or loose or damaged joint is found, before further flight, do the corrective action (including removal of the link assembly, inspection for damage, and replacement with a new assembly if damaged), as specified in Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Then repeat the inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD every 6 months. 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). 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 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 (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0167, 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 (f) This amendment becomes effective on February 14, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 16, 2002. Michael J. Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-1691 Filed 1-29-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U