AD 2002-21-14 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757-200, -200CB, and -300 Series Airplanes

Models named: 757-200, -200CB, -300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 757-200, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes; line numbers 001 through 905 inclusive; equipped with an off-wing escape slide system; 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 an escape slide to deploy or inflate correctly, which could cause the slide to be unusable during an emergency evacuation and result in consequent injury to passengers or crewmembers, accomplish the following: Inspection/Corrective Action (a) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD: Determine the part numbers (P/N) of the master control valve installed on each of the two pressure bottles located in the forward end of the aft cargo compartment that activate the off-wing escape slides, per Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0214 (for Model 757-200 and 200CB series airplanes), or 757-25-0216 (for Model 757-300 series airplanes), both dated April 6, 2000, as applicable. Note 2: To reduce the risk of accidental injury to maintenance personnel, operators may want to deactivate any installed cargo handling system before undertaking the actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD. (1) If any P/N found on any valve is Boeing P/N S416N207-6 (Pacific Scientific P/N 42000802-1), before further flight, replace the affected valve with a new valve or rework the valve, as applicable; and replace the placard on the corresponding pressure bottle assembly with a new placard, per the applicable service bulletin. (2) If the P/N shown on both valves is not Boeing P/N S416N207-6 (Pacific Scientific P/N 42000802-1), no further action is required by this paragraph. Spares (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install a master control valve, Boeing P/N S416N207-6 (Pacific Scientific P/N 42000802-1), on any airplane. 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 Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0214, dated April 6, 2000; or Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0216, dated April 6, 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 November 29, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 16, 2002. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-27080 Filed 10-24-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P