AD 2004-09-32 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757-200 Series Airplanes

Models named: 757-200 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 757-200 series airplanes, line numbers 1 through 90 inclusive; certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To detect and correct cracking of the fuselage skin and bear strap at the forward, upper corner of the L1 entry door cutout, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the L1 entry door and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane; accomplish the following: Initial Inspections (a) Within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do the inspections of the forward, upper corner of the L1 entry door cutout specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD, per Part 1 of the Work Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-53-0089, dated March 18, 2004. (1) Do a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking of the fuselage skin around the adjacent fasteners. (2) Do an HFEC inspection for cracking along the edge of the skin and bear strap. (3) Do a low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspection of the bear strap. No Crack Detected: Repetitive Inspections (b) If no crack is detected during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Repeat the inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 1,400 flight cycles. Any Crack Detected: Repair (c) If any crack is detected during any inspection required by this AD, and the service bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: 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 (DER) 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. Optional Terminating Modification (d) As an alternative to accomplishing the inspections required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD, do the optional preventative modification of the forward, upper corner of the L1 entry door cutout, and do all applicable related investigative/corrective actions by accomplishing all the actions specified in Part 2 of the Work Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-53-0089, dated March 18, 2004. Accomplishment of the modification constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) for this AD. (2) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by a Boeing Company DER who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings. Incorporation by Reference (f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-53-0089, dated March 18, 2004. 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 National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on May 24, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 28, 2004. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-10240 Filed 5-6-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P