AD 2005-25-23 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

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

This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with off-wing emergency escape slides; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0358, dated September 18, 2003; and Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0317, dated June 27, 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. Measurement/Corrective Action (f) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD: Accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD. (1) Measure the turnbuckle gap of the inflation cylinder of the off-wing emergency escape slides to ensure it meets the maximum allowable spacing limit and do applicable corrective actions by doing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0358, dated September 18, 2003. Accomplish any corrective action before further flight in accordance with the service bulletin. (2) Install a safety device on the PFIM of the inflation cylinder of the off-wing emergency escape slides, and part-mark the inflation cylinder as applicable, by doing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0317, dated June 27, 2002. Note 1: Goodrich Service Bulletins 130104-25-342, dated July 23, 2003; and 130104-25-328, Revision 1, dated July 23, 2003; may be used as additional sources of service information for accomplishing the actions. Parts Installation (g) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an inflation cylinder of the off-wing emergency escape slides on any airplane, unless it has been modified according to paragraph (f) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 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 14 CFR 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 (i) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0358, dated September 18, 2003; and Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0317, dated June 27, 2002; as applicable, 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 these documents 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 December 6, 2005. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-23957 Filed 12-13-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the inflation trigger cable may inadvertently disconnect from the inflation turnbuckle of the inflation cylinder of the off-wing emergency escape slide, due to incorrect spacing of the cable insertion gap; and additional reports indicating that the pull force increase mechanism (PFIM) on the off-wing charged cylinder assemblies of the escape slide may be inadvertently disengaged. We are issuing this AD to prevent failed deployment of the emergency escape slide during an emergency, which could impede an evacuation and result in injury to passengers or airplane crewmembers, or inadvertent inflation and loss of an emergency escape slide during flight, which could result in possible structural damage to the airplane.