AD 2004-14-19 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes

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

All Model 767 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To detect and correct the propagation of fatigue cracks in the vicinity of “oil cans” on the web of the aft pressure bulkhead, which could result in rapid decompression of the passenger cabin, possible damage or interference with the airplane control systems that pass through the bulkhead, and consequent loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following: Service Bulletin References (a) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. Where Figure 5 of the service bulletin specifies to refer to Boeing 767 Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM) 38-11-01/401 for the removal and installation of the potable water tanks, refer to AMM 38-11-01/201. (1) For Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0105, dated April 10, 2003. (2) For Model 767-400ER series airplanes: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0106, dated April 10, 2003. Initial and Repetitive Inspections (b) Perform a detailed inspection of the aft pressure bulkhead for indications of “oil cans” and previous “oil can” repairs, in accordance with the service bulletin, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD. In the absence of information proving otherwise, assume a previous repair of the aft pressure bulkhead is an “oil can” repair. Repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6,000 flight cycles. Note 1: 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.” (1) For Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes: Prior to the accumulation of 50,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later. (2) For Model 767-300F and -400ER series airplanes: Prior to the accumulation of 40,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later. Indication of Previous “Oil Can” Repairs (c) If any previous “oil can” repair is found during any detailed inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD: Before further flight, do a detailed inspection of the web around any “oil can” repair for cracks or smaller “oil cans,” in accordance with the service bulletin. (1) If any crack is found, before further flight, repair in accordance with the service bulletin. Where the service bulletin 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. (2) If any “oil can” is found, before further flight, perform the surface high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection specified in paragraph (d) of this AD. Indication of “Oil Can” (d) If any indication of an “oil can” is found during any detailed inspection specified in paragraph (b) or (c) of this AD: Before further flight, perform a surface HFEC inspection of the web around the periphery and in the center of the “oil can” indication for cracks, at all “oil cans,” and perform a detailed inspection of the web for cracks, in accordance with the service bulletin. Alternative inspection specified in the service bulletin is acceptable for this AD. (1) If no crack is found and the “oil can” meets the allowable limits specified in the service bulletin, do the action in either paragraph (d)(1)(i) or (d)(1)(ii) of this AD. (i) Repeat the surface HFEC inspection specified in paragraph (d) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles. (ii) Before further flight, repair the “oil can” in accordance with the service bulletin. Repair of all “oil cans” is considered a terminating action for the repetitive HFEC inspections required by paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this AD. However, continue to repeat the detailed inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD. (2) If no crack is found and the “oil can” does not meet the specified allowable limits specified in the service bulletin: Before further flight, repair the “oil can” in accordance with the service bulletin. If, following the repair, any “oil can” remains that meets the allowable limits specified in the service bulletin, do the action required by either paragraph (d)(1)(i) or (d)(1)(ii) of this AD. (3) If any crack is found, before further flight, repair in accordance with the service bulletin. Where the service bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action, before further flight, repair per a method approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, 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. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle ACO, 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 767-53A0105, dated April 10, 2003; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0106, dated April 10, 2003; as applicable. 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 August 20, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 1, 2004. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-15759 Filed 7-15-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P