AD 2005-20-05 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200 and 767-300 Series Airplanes

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

This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-200 and 767-300 series airplanes equipped with center overhead stowage bin modules, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0320, dated April 11, 2002.

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 to Determine I-beam Part Number (P/N) (f) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD: Perform a general visual inspection of the center overhead stowage bin modules to determine the P/N of each I-beam and to determine the configuration of each center overhead stowage bin module. Do the inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0320, dated April 11, 2002. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.” (g) For any I-beam found having P/N 412T2040-29 during the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: No further action is required by this AD for that I-beam only. Support Strap Installation (h) For any I-beam found having a P/N other than P/N 412T2040-29 during the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further flight, do the actions in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0320, dated April 11, 2002. (1) If the forward-most stowage bin module was inspected: Before further flight, install support straps having P/N 412T2043-101 and 412T2043-102 on the center overhead stowage bin module, in accordance with Figures 3, 4, and 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. (2) If the stowage bin module inspected was other than the forward-most stowage bin module: Before further flight, do the actions specified in paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (h)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable. (i) For center overhead stowage bin modules having “Configuration A,” as specified in the service bulletin: Before further flight, do the actions specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD. (ii) For center overhead stowage bin modules having a configuration other than “Configuration A,” as specified in the service bulletin: Before further flight, install two support straps having P/N 412T2043-119 on the center overhead stowage bin module, in accordance with Figures 3, 4, and 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i)(1) 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. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0320, dated April 11, 2002, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 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 12, 2005. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-19227 Filed 9-28-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from tests conducted by the airplane manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the attachment of the 9.0g (gravitational acceleration) tie rods to the center overhead stowage bin modules. This failure could result in collapse of those stowage bin modules, and consequent injury to passengers and crew and interference with their ability to evacuate the airplane in an emergency.