AD 2003-19-09 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes

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

All Model 767 series airplanes, 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 (e) 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 ice accumulation on the lateral flight control cables and/or components due to water entering the wheel well of the main landing gear and freezing, which could restrict or jam control cable movement, resulting in loss of controllability of the airplane; accomplish the following: Repetitive Inspections/Tests of the Drainage System/Corrective Actions (a) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD: Do a general visual inspection of the external drains, reducer, and drain lines for discrepancies (including damage, holes, signs of frozen water, and signs of blockage), per Work Package 1 of the Work Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-51A0023 (for Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes), or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-51A0024 (for Model 767-400ER series airplanes), both dated September 27, 2001; as applicable. Repeat the test after that at intervals not to exceed 18 months. (1) Within 18 months since the date of issuance of the original Airworthiness Certificate or the date of issuance of the Export Certificate of Airworthiness, whichever occurs first. (2) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD. (b) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD: Clean the cavity for the canted pressure deck and do a general visual inspection of the drainage system for discrepancies per Work Package 2 of the Work Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-51A0023 (for Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes), or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-51A0024 (for Model 767-400ER series airplanes), both dated September 27, 2001; as applicable. Repeat the cleaning and inspection after that at intervals not to exceed 36 months. (1) Within 36 months since the date of issuance of the original Airworthiness Certificate or the date of issuance of the Export Certificate of Airworthiness, whichever occurs first. (2) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD. (c) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection or test required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD, before further flight, repair per the Work Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-51A0023 (for Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes), or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-51A0024 (for Model 767-400ER series airplanes), both dated September 27, 2001; as applicable. Repetitive Inspections of the Canted Pressure Deck/Corrective Action (d) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this AD: Do a general visual inspection of the canted pressure deck for discrepancies (including loose or missing fasteners; loose, missing, or cracked sealant; and leak paths), per Work Package 3 of the Work Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-51A0023 (for Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes), or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-51A0024 (for Model 767-400ER series airplanes), both dated September 27, 2001; as applicable. If any discrepancy is found, before further flight, repair (including replacing any loose or missing fastener or loose, missing, or cracked sealant; and repairing any leak found) per the applicable service bulletin. Repeat the inspection after that at intervals not to exceed 54 months. (1) Within 54 months since the date of issuance of the original Airworthiness Certificate or the date of issuance of the Export Certificate of Airworthiness, whichever occurs first. (2) Within 54 months after the effective date of this AD. 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 from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight 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.” Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) 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 Permit (f) 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 (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-51A0023, dated September 27, 2001; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-51A0024, dated September 27, 2001; 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 (h) This amendment becomes effective on October 27, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 12, 2003. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-23828 Filed 9-18-03; 12:01 pm] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U