AD 2005-02-02 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; as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0113, dated February 26, 2004.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Service Bulletin Reference (f) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0113, dated February 26, 2004. Initial Inspections (g) At the later of the compliance times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD: Do a high frequency eddy current inspection and a detailed inspection of the left and right BL 25 vertical chords common to the nose wheel well bulkhead at station 287 for cracks, in accordance with the service bulletin. (1) Within 72 months since the date of issuance of the original Airworthiness Certificate or the date of issuance of the original Export Certificate of Airworthiness. (2) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD. 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.” No Cracks Found (h) For any BL 25 vertical chord in which no crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Thereafter at intervals not to exceed 48 months, repeat the inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD for any BL 25 vertical chord that has not been repaired according to paragraph (i) or (j) of this AD. Cracks Found: Extending Below Water Line (WL) 159 (i) If any crack is found on any BL 25 vertical chord during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, and the crack extends below WL 159: Before further flight, repair according to a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or according to data meeting the certification basis of the airplane approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing 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 approval must specifically reference this AD. Cracks Found: Not Extending Below WL 159 (j) If any crack is found in any BL 25 vertical chord during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, and the crack does not extend below WL 159: Before further flight, repair any damaged BL 25 vertical chord in accordance with the service bulletin. Repaired BL 25 Vertical Chords (k) Repair of any BL 25 vertical chord in accordance with paragraph (i) or (j) of this AD, as applicable, terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD for the repaired vertical chord only. If both the left and right BL 25 vertical chords are repaired as required by paragraph (i) or (j) of this AD, as applicable, no more work is required by this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (l)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (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 an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0113, dated February 26, 2004, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. For copies of the service information, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. For information on the availability of this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. You may view the AD docket at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 12, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-1207 Filed 1-24-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by findings of cracks in the fillet radii of the left and right butt line (BL) 25 vertical chords common to the nose wheel well bulkhead at station 287. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the left and right BL 25 vertical chords, which could grow downward into a critical area that serves as a primary load path for the nose landing gear (NLG) and result in the collapse of the NLG during landing.