AD 2005-07-24 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 Series Airplanes Equipped With Rolls Royce Model RB211 TRENT 800 Engines

Models named: 777-200, -300 series, RB211 TRENT 800. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with Rolls Royce Model RB211 TRENT 800 engines; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0059, dated February 24, 2005.

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 (f) Accomplish one-time detailed and special detailed inspections, as applicable, of the thrust reversers for damage of the insulation blankets, inner wall, and compression and drag link fittings, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0059, dated February 24, 2005. Accomplish the inspection at the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 1.E. “Compliance” of the service bulletin; except, where the service bulletin specifies a compliance time relative to the date after the release of the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance relative to the effective date of this AD. Repair/Replacement (g) If any damage is found during any inspection required by this AD: Before further flight, do applicable repairs and replace damaged fittings with new fittings, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0059, dated February 24, 2005. Where the service bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action, before further flight, do applicable repairs and replace damaged fittings with new fittings in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or in accordance with data meeting the certification basis of the airplane approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Delegation Option Authorization (DOA) Organization who the Manager, Seattle ACO, has authorized to make this finding. For a repair method to be approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically reference this AD. Application of Sealant (h) Before further flight after accomplishing the inspection and any applicable repair, as required by paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD: Apply sealant to the seams of the thrust reverser insulation blankets and around the HP3 ducts, and insulate and seal the compression pad fittings, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-78-0060, dated February 24, 2005. No Reporting (i) Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0059, dated February 24, 2005, specifies reporting certain information to Boeing, this AD does not require that action. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(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) 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 DOA 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 and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0059, dated February 24, 2005; and Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-78-0060, dated February 24, 2005; as applicable; 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 these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get copies of the service information, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. To view the AD docket go to the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC. To review copies of the service information, go to 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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 31, 2005. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-6903 Filed 4-8-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by two reports of thrust reverser failures; investigation revealed that the inner wall of the thrust reversers had collapsed from exposure to hot engine core compartment air. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of a thrust reverser and adjacent components and their consequent separation from the airplane, which could result in a rejected takeoff (RTO) and cause asymmetric thrust and consequent loss of control of the airplane during reverse thrust operation. If an RTO does not occur, these separated components could cause structural damage to the airplane or damage to other airplanes and possible injury to people on the ground.