AD 2002-16-15 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Series Airplanes

Models named: 777 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 777 series airplanes, line numbers 1 through 266 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 chafing of the fuel quantity indicator system (FQIS) wiring on surrounding structures and systems, which could result in exposure of the bare conductor in close proximity to structures or other electrically conductive return paths, and potential electrical arcing and explosion in the fuel tank in the event of an additional wiring failure outside the fuel tank, accomplish the following: Modifications (a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, complete the actions required by paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this AD, as applicable. Modification of Model 777-200 Center Fuel Tank Wiring (1) For Model 777-200 series airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0012, dated September 2, 1999, modify the FQIS wire bundles (including removing the FQIS wire bundle support brackets at each spanwise beam penetration and replacing them with seals, removing the FQIS wire bundle support brackets from the side of the body rib, installing a grommet in the penetration hole, and replacing the bracket with two new brackets), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Modification of Model 777-200 and -300 Center Fuel Tank Wiring (2) For Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0016, dated April 27, 2000, modify the supports for the FQIS wire bundles in the center fuel tank (including installing spacers on the FQIS wiring support brackets and standoffs, installing a clamp next to the grommet at each tank unit, and replacing the clamp filler O-rings), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Modification of Model 777-200 and -300 Main Fuel Tank Wiring (3) For Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0021, dated April 27, 2000, modify the FQIS wire bundles in the main fuel tanks (including installing spacers on the wiring support brackets and standoffs, installing a clamp next to the grommet at each tank unit, and replacing the clamp O-rings), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Follow-On Actions (b) If any damaged wiring is found during the performance of the modifications required by paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this AD, before further flight, replace the damaged wiring with new wiring in accordance with Boeing Standard Wiring Practices Manual D6-54446, Chapter 20, Section 10, Subject 11 (20-10-11), dated August 1, 1996. Then submit a report of damaged wire findings to Service Bulletin Engineering, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Mail Stop 2H-37, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD. The report must include a description of any discrepancies found, the airplane serial number, and the number of landings and flight hours on the airplane. Information collection requirements contained in this AD have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (1) For airplanes on which the modifications are accomplished after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 14 days after performing the applicable modification required by paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this AD. (2) For airplanes on which the modifications were accomplished before the effective date of this AD, it is not necessary to re-enter the fuel tanks to conduct inspections. Based on records collected during the previous modifications, submit the report within 60 days after the effective date of this AD. The report must include the date the modifications were done; any problems recorded when doing the modifications; a description of where the problems were found, if recorded; and a point of contact and telephone number. 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), 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 (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 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 modifications shall be done in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0012, dated September 2, 1999; Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0016, dated April 27, 2000; and Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0021, dated April 27, 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 (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 26, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 5, 2002. Vi Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-20269 Filed 8-21-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P