AD 2004-19-06 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F Series Airplanes

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

This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes, certificated in any category; line numbers 1 through 931 inclusive.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspections and Follow-On/Corrective Actions (f) Except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD, prior to the accumulation of 15,000 total flight cycles, or within 3,000 flight cycles after November 1, 2004 (the effective date of AD 2004-19-06), whichever occurs later, perform a detailed inspection and eddy current inspection to detect cracking or corrosion of the fail-safe straps between the side fitting of the rear spar bulkhead at BS 955 and the skin, per Figure 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0100, dated September 26, 2002. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.” (1) If no crack or corrosion is found, repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6,000 flight cycles or 36 months, whichever occurs first. (2) If any crack or corrosion is found, before further flight, repair per a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or using a method approved in accordance with paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. (g) For airplanes on which the fail-safe strap has been replaced before November 1, 2004: Do the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD within 12,000 flight cycles after accomplishing the replacement. Note 2: Steps 2 and 8 of the Work Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0100, dated September 26, 2002, refer incorrectly to 767 Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM) 32-00-20 for opening the MLG doors; the correct reference is 767 AMM 32-00-15, which is referred to in steps 3 and 7 of the Work Instructions. Step 2 also should state “Open Main Landing Gear (MLG) doors” instead of “Open Main Landing Green (MLG) doors.” Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0100, dated September 26, 2002, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. On November 1, 2004 (69 FR 57636, September 27, 2004), the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document. Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov ; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 26, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-19939 Filed 10-4-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of cracked and/or corroded fail-safe straps at body station (BS) 955 on Boeing Model 767-200 series airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking or corrosion of the fail-safe straps, which could result in cracking of adjacent structure and consequent reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.