AD 2003-19-02 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 412 inclusive, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent cracking of the leading edge outboard slats, which could result in separation of the cove skin, structural damage or loss of the trailing edge wedge, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Inspections and Follow-On Actions (a) For all airplanes: Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD; do a detailed inspection of the seal assemblies of the outboard leading edge slats on the wings for missing or gapped inserts; then do the applicable follow-on actions by doing all the actions per paragraphs 1. through 7. of Part 6, “Seal Insert Gap Inspection and Seal Assembly Replacement,” of the Work Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0034, Revision 7, dated May 22, 2003 (including replacing the seal assembly, doing a cove skin inspection for cracking, doing an internal inspection for cracking, doing a slat adjustment check, repeating the cove skin and internal inspections, replacing the slat and doing a slat adjustment check). Any applicable follow-on actions must be done at the applicable time specified in Figure 1, Sheets 12 through 15 inclusive, of the service bulletin. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” (b) For airplanes identified as “Group 4” in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0034, Revision 7, dated May 22, 2003: Within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD; do a detailed inspection of the seal inserts of the seal assemblies of the outboard leading edge slats on the wings for undersized (incorrect diameter) seal inserts; do the applicable follow-on and corrective actions by doing all the actions per paragraphs 1. through 8. of Part 5, “Seal Insert Inspection and Seal Replacement,” of the Work Instructions of the service bulletin. Any applicable follow-on actions must be done at the applicable time specified in Figure 1, Sheet 11, of the service bulletin. Note 2: For airplanes identified as “Group 4” in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0034, Revision 7, dated May 22, 2003 (outboard slat numbers 4, 5, 10, and 11): If a seal insert has receded, when accomplishing paragraph (a) of this AD, operators should be careful not to install a repair segment prior to inspecting for an undersized diameter insert, as required by paragraph (b) of this AD. Corrective Actions (c) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by this AD: Before further flight, do all applicable corrective actions specified in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 5, and Part 6 of the Work Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0034, Revision 7, dated May 22, 2003. Do the applicable corrective actions per the service bulletin. If the service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair per a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, or per data meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings. Part Installation (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no one may install a seal assembly with a part number listed in the “Existing Part Number” column of the table under Appendix A of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0034, Revision 7, dated May 22, 2003; on any airplane. Clarification of Part Numbers for Installation (e) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0034, Revision 7, dated May 22, 2003, contains certain incorrectly identified part numbers (P/N) in the “Existing Part Number” and “New Part Number” columns of the table under Appendix A, rows 20 and 27 of page 79, and rows 8 and 10 of page 80; respectively. This AD requires operators to remove/install parts having the correct part numbers, as specified in Tables 1 and 2 of this AD: Table 1.—Part Numbers Existing P/N Name Correct P/N 114W4140-21 Slat Assy—No. 11 114W4140-22 114W4705-42 Seal 114W4705-41 Table 2.—Part Numbers New P/N Name Correct P/N 114W4150-23 Slat Assy—No. 5 114W4150-29 114W4150-24 Slat Assy—No. 10 114W4150-30 Alternative Methods of Compliance (f)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle ACO, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. (2) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for a repair required by this AD, if it is approved by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings. Incorporation by Reference (g) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0034, Revision 7, dated May 22, 2003. 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 October 8, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 10, 2003. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-23932 Filed 9-22-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P