AD 2005-12-14 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER Series Airplanes Equipped With Door-Mounted Escape Slides

Models named: 767-200, -300, -400ER series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with door-mounted escape slide/rafts.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspection for Part Numbers (P/Ns) (f) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions in either paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD. (1) Perform a one-time inspection to determine if any Goodrich door-mounted escape slide/raft having P/N 5A3294-1, 5A3294-2, 5A3295-1, or 5A3295-3 is installed. If no slide/raft having any of those P/Ns is installed, no further action is required by this paragraph, except for the requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD. (2) Perform a one-time check of the airplane maintenance records to determine if any Goodrich door-mounted escape slide/raft having P/N 5A3294-1, 5A3294-2, 5A3295-1, or 5A3295-3 is installed. If it can be conclusively determined from the airplane maintenance records that no slide/raft having any of those P/Ns is installed, no further action is required by this AD, except for the requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD. Inspection for Excessive Tension on the Firing Cable (g) If any door-mounted escape slide/raft with any P/N specified in paragraph (f) of this AD is installed: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a tension check on the firing cable of the slide/raft, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005. If no excessive tension is detected, no further action is required by this AD, except for the requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD. Note 1: Boeing ASB 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005, references Goodrich ASB 5A3294/5A3295-25A356, dated May 11, 2005, as an additional source of service information. Corrective Action for Excessive Tension on the Firing Cable (h) If any excessive tension of the firing cable is detected, before further flight, do the applicable corrective actions; in accordance with the Boeing ASB 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005. Previous Accomplishment (i) Inspections of the firing cables for excessive tension in accordance with Boeing ASB 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005, that were accomplished before the effective date of this AD are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, provided that any applicable corrective was completed. Parts Installation (j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on any airplane any Goodrich door-mounted escape slide/raft having P/N 5A3294-1, 5A3294-2, 5A3295-1, or 5A3295-3, unless the tension of the firing cable has been checked and the applicable corrective action completed in accordance with Boeing ASB 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005, or the escape slide/raft has been repacked in accordance with Goodrich Packing Instructions, Evacuation Slide/Raft, Document 501636, Revision G, dated May 16, 2005; Goodrich Packing Instructions, Evacuation Slide/Raft, LH, Document 501637, Revision E, dated May 16, 2005; or Goodrich Packing Instructions, Evacuation Slide/Raft, RH, Document 501638, Revision D, dated May 16, 2005; as applicable. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (k) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Material Incorporated by Reference (l) You must use Boeing ASB 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005, 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, PO Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; or Goodrich Aircraft Interior Products, 3414 South 5th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85040, as applicable. 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 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 June 7, 2005. Michael J. Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-11696 Filed 6-14-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded inflation inside the airplane of a door-mounted escape slide/raft located in the passenger compartment. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent injury to maintenance personnel, passengers, and crew during otherwise normal operating conditions and to prevent interference with evacuation of the airplane during an emergency, due to uncommanded inflation of the airplane of a door-mounted escape slide/raft.