AD 2003-25-02 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 and 777-300 Series Airplanes

Models named: 777-200, 777-300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 777-200 and 777-300 series airplanes having line numbers 2 through 297 inclusive, 299, and 300; certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid into the strut aft dry bay, where high temperatures associated with the adjacent primary exhaust nozzle may ignite the fluid, resulting in an uncontrolled fire in the strut aft dry bay; accomplish the following: Application of Sealant (a) Within 1,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this AD, apply high-temperature sealant to designated areas in the strut aft dry bay, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instruction of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-54A0016, dated January 25, 2001; or with Revision 1, dated July 10, 2003. (b)(1) If, upon opening the strut aft fairing forward access panels in accordance with the Accomplishment Instruction of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-54A0016, dated January 25, 2001; or with Revision 1, dated July 10, 2003; it is observed that high-temperature sealant has already been properly applied to each of the designated areas in the strut aft dry bay, no further action is required. (2) If, upon opening the strut aft fairing forward access panels in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-54A0016, dated January 25, 2001; or with Revision 1, dated July 10, 2003; it is observed that high-temperature sealant has been improperly applied to any of the designated areas in the strut aft dry bays, re-apply the sealant in each such area in accordance with either of the service bulletins. 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 1: 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 Alert Service Bulletin 777-54A0016, dated January 25, 2001; or Boeing Service Bulletin 777-54A0016, Revision 1, dated July 10, 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 (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 22, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 5, 2003. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-31061 Filed 12-17-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P