AD 2002-10-02 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757 Series Airplanes

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

Model 757 series airplanes listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-28-0057 or 757-28-0059, both Revision 1, both dated February 28, 2002, 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 contact between the compensator for the Simmonds fuel quantity indication system (FQIS) and a flapper check valve on a baffle rib in the main fuel tanks, which—in conjunction with another wiring failure outside the fuel tank—could result in an electrical arc and a consequent potential source of ignition in the fuel tank, accomplish the following: Installation of Brackets (a) Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, install an extender bracket for the compensator of the Simmonds FQIS in the left and right main fuel tanks (including ensuring minimum clearance between the compensators, wiring, and components, and the fuel tank structure, and testing the electrical bond in the fuel tank), according to the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 757-28-0057 or 757-28-0059, both Revision 1, both dated February 28, 2002, as applicable. Note 2: Installations of extender brackets accomplished before the effective date of this AD according to Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-28-0057 or 757-28-0059, both dated September 14, 2000, as applicable, are 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 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 (c) 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 (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 757-28-0057, Revision 1, dated February 28, 2002; or Boeing Service Bulletin 757-28-0059, Revision 1, dated February 28, 2002; 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 (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 20, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 8, 2002. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-12065 Filed 5-15-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U