AD 2004-05-16 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

Models named: 767-200, -300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes, line numbers 1 through 423 inclusive; certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To detect and correct fatigue cracks in the aft pressure bulkhead web, which could result in uncontrolled rapid decompression, accomplish the following: Initial and Repetitive Inspections (a) Do high frequency eddy current inspections of the aft pressure bulkhead web, per the Work Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0087, dated October 21, 1999; at the later of the applicable “Threshold” and “Grace Period” times specified in Table 1 of this AD. Table 1 is as follows: Table 1.—Compliance Times for Inspection For— Compliance times— Threshold— Grace period— (1) Group 1 airplanes as identified in the service bulletin Prior to the accumulation of 37,500 total flight cycles Within 18 months or within 3,000 flights after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes first (2) Group 2 airplanes as identified in the service bulletin Prior to the accumulation of 50,000 total flight cycles Within 18 months or within 3,000 flights after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes first (b) If no crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, repeat the high frequency eddy current inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6,000 flight cycles, per the Work Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0087, dated October 21, 1999. Corrective Actions (c) If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0087, dated October 21, 1999, specifies to contact Boeing for repair: 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. For a repair method to be approved, the approval must specifically reference this AD. Previously Installed Repairs (d) If previously installed repairs are installed in the inspection area, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0087, dated October 21, 1999, specifies to contact Boeing for inspection details, an alternative method of compliance must be approved as required by sections 39.15, 39.17, and 39.19 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR 39.15, 39.17, 39.19). Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. Incorporation by Reference (f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0087, dated October 21, 1999. 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 Airplanes, 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 13, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 25, 2004. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-4922 Filed 3-8-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P