AD 2004-08-07 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-300 Series Airplanes

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

Model 767-300 series airplanes, line numbers 754, 761, 767, 775, and 776; certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent interference of the A1 galley with the radial stiffener on the aft pressure bulkhead, which could result in fatigue crack propagation, leading to possible rapid decompression of the airplane or to damage and/or interference with the airplane control systems that pass through the bulkhead and consequent loss of control of the airplane; accomplish the following: Inspection (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual inspection for clearance between the corners of the A1 galley and the aft pressure bulkhead, per the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-53A0102, Revision 1, dated April 24, 2003. Note 1: 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.” Corrective Action: Detailed Inspection (b) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, the clearance between the corners of the A1 galley and the aft pressure bulkhead is found to be less than 1.0 inch, before further flight, perform a detailed inspection for damage to the insulation and aft pressure bulkhead structure, per the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-53A0102, Revision 1, dated April 24, 2003. If any damage to the insulation or cracking in the aft pressure bulkhead is detected, before further flight, repair the damage and/or cracking per the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, except where the service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for repair instructions if damage exceeds the conditions covered in the structural repair manual. If damage exceeds the limits specified in the structural repair manual, 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. 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.” Concurrent Modification (c) Before or concurrent with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD, modify the A1 galley, per the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-53A0102, Revision 1, dated April 24, 2003. Note 3: Boeing Service Bulletin 767-53A0102, Revision 1, refers to BE Aerospace Service Bulletins 25-30-0079, dated April 22, 2002; and 25-30-0080, dated April 22, 2002; as additional sources of service information for accomplishment of the modification for Model 767-300 series airplanes. Actions Accomplished Per Previous Issue of Service Bulletin (d) The applicable actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0102, dated November 21, 2002, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD. 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 Service Bulletin 767-53A0102, Revision 1, dated April 24, 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 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 May 24, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 6, 2004. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-8543 Filed 4-16-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P