AD 2006-04-14 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

Models named: 757-200 series, 757-300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category. (1) Boeing Model 757-200 series airplanes, having certain variable numbers as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-21-0106, dated March 24, 2005. (2) Boeing Model 757-300 series airplanes, having certain variable numbers as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-21-0107, dated March 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. Service Bulletin References (f) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of the following service bulletins, as applicable: (1) For Model 757-200 series airplanes: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-21-0106, dated March 24, 2005; and (2) For Model 757-300 series airplanes: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-21-0107, dated March 24, 2005. Install Clamps (g) Within 12,000 flight hours or 36 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever is first: Install clamps on the end caps of the overhead distribution ducts of the air conditioning system at stations 864.88, 864.9, 866.6, and 875, as applicable, and before further flight do other specified and related investigative actions as applicable, by doing all of the applicable actions specified in the service bulletin. 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 § 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 757-21-0106, dated March 24, 2005; or Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-21-0107, dated March 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 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 February 15, 2006. Michael Zielinski, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 06-1694 Filed 2-24-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from finding that the end caps of the overhead distribution ducts for the air conditioning system were not bonded to the ducts with an adhesive. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct loosened end caps, which could change the air flow balance in the airplane. During a smoke event in the cargo or main electronics compartment, the incorrect balance of air flow could change the smoke clearance air capacity and result in smoke and toxic fumes penetrating the flight deck and main cabin.