AD 2004-05-07 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes

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

Model 767 airplanes, certificated in any category, line numbers (L/Ns) 1 through 853 inclusive. 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 (d)(1) 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 detect and prevent abrasion damage and correct installation discrepancies of the wire bundles located below the P37 panel, which could result in arcing to structure and consequent fire or loss of function of affected systems, accomplish the following: Requirements of AD 2001-17-28 R1, Amendment 39-12510 Inspection for Damage and Installation Discrepancies (a) For airplanes with L/Ns 1 through 815 inclusive: Within 90 days after September 13, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2001-17-28, amendment 39-12419), perform a one-time detailed inspection of the wire bundles located below the P37 panel to detect abrasion damage and wire installation discrepancies (including missing standoffs; missing, chafed, or loose cable clamps; chafed grommets; and wire bundles located beneath an insulation blanket), in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0134, excluding Evaluation Form, dated March 15, 2001, or Revision 1, excluding Evaluation Form, dated October 18, 2001 (for Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes); or 767-24A0135, excluding Evaluation Form, dated March 15, 2001, or Revision 1, excluding Evaluation Form, dated October 18, 2001 (for Model 767-400ER series airplanes). If any damage or other discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, perform corrective actions in accordance with the applicable alert service bulletin. After December 11, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2001-17-28 R1, amendment 39-12510), only Revision 1 of the alert service bulletins may be used. Note 2: 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.” New Requirements of this AD Inspection and Corrective Actions (b) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do all actions in Work Package 2 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0134 (for Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes) or 767-24A0135 (for Model 767-400ER series airplanes), both Revision 1, both excluding Evaluation Form, both dated October 18, 2001, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable alert service bulletin. For Group 1 airplanes, the procedures in Work Package 2 include performing a detailed inspection to determine whether the location of the wire support standoff for wire bundle W298 is adequate and whether a grommet is installed and not damaged ( e.g. , chafed), installing a new grommet if not already installed or if the existing grommet is damaged, relocating the wire support standoff as applicable, installing protective sleeving over certain wire bundles, and installing wire bundle support clamps. When installing wire bundle support clamps, make sure that wire bundles are installed inboard/above the insulation blankets. For Group 2 airplanes, the procedures in Work Package 2 include performing a detailed inspection of the sleeving on wire bundles W298, W235, and W2130, as applicable, to determine the type of protective sleeving installed and the location of that sleeving, relocating the sleeving or replacing the sleeving with new sleeving as applicable, and installing wire bundle support clamps as applicable. When installing wire bundle support clamps, make sure that wire bundles are installed inboard/above the insulation blankets. Credit for Actions Accomplished per Previous Service Bulletins (c) For Group 1 airplanes, the actions accomplished before December 11, 2001, per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0134 (for Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes), dated March 15, 2001; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0135 (for Model 767-400ER series airplanes), dated March 15, 2001; as applicable, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions required by paragraph (b) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d)(1) 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. (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in accordance with AD 2001-17-28 R1, amendment 39-12510, are approved as alternative methods of compliance with the corresponding requirements of this AD. 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 (e) 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 (f) Unless otherwise specified by this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0134, Revision 1, dated October 18, 2001 (for Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes); and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-24A0135, Revision 1, dated October 18, 2001 (for Model 767-400ER series airplanes). 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 (g) This amendment becomes effective on April 7, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 20, 2004. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-4562 Filed 3-2-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P