AD 2005-07-02 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

Models named: 777-200, -300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes; certificated in any category.

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 References (f) The term “the service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0038, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2004. Compliance Time (g) Perform the applicable actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD. (1) Within 4,000 flight cycles or 750 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first; or (2) Before accumulation of 8,000 total flight cycles on the outer cylinder or 72 months on the outer cylinder since new, whichever occurs first. Part Identification Inspection, Ultrasonic Inspection, and Corrective Action (h) Inspect the outer cylinder of the MLG to determine whether an outer cylinder having a serial number (S/N) listed in paragraph 1.D., “Description,” of the service bulletin is installed. Instead of an inspection of the outer cylinder of the MLG, a review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable if the S/N of the outer cylinder can be positively determined from that review. (1) If no S/N identified in the service bulletin is installed, no further action is required by this paragraph. (2) If any S/N identified in the service bulletin is installed, at the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, do an ultrasonic inspection of the outer cylinder of the MLG for cracks, and do all applicable specified and corrective actions per the service bulletin. Do any applicable corrective action before further flight. Reporting a Crack (i) Submit a report of any crack that is found during the inspection required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD to the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies found, the outer cylinder serial number and part number, and the number of landings and flight hours on the outer cylinder. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (1) If the inspection was done after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the inspection. (2) If the inspection was accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD. Parts Installation (j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an outer cylinder having a S/N listed in paragraph 1.D., “Description,” of the service bulletin on any airplane unless it has been inspected and all specified and corrective actions are accomplished in accordance with paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (k)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with 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 (l) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0038, Revision 1, dated February 19, 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 March 21, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-6110 Filed 3-29-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports that two outer cylinders of the main landing gear (MLG) were found fractured in the weld area. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks or defects that could result in a fracture of the outer cylinder of the MLG, which could lead to collapse of the MLG during landing.