AD 2006-09-02 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757-200 and -200PF Series Airplanes Equipped With Pratt & Whitney Engines

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

This AD applies to Boeing Model 757-200 and -200PF series airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 757-71A0085, dated March 2, 2006.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Initial Inspection (f) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD or within 3,000 flight cycles since the most recent installation of each engine, whichever occurs later: For each engine, perform a detailed inspection to detect any gap between the strut fitting and the forward engine mount assembly of the engine, and before further flight, do all applicable related investigative actions, corrective actions, and other specified actions; in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing ASB 757-71A0085, dated March 2, 2006. Note 1: In the Accomplishment Instructions of the ASB, the manufacturer provides instructions to repair or replace parts before “subsequent” flight if damage is found on parts. However, the manufacturer also specifies to write to the manufacturer if necessary for repair information. This AD requires that any deviation from the instructions provided in the ASB must be approved as an alternative method of compliance under paragraph (h) of this AD. Repetitive Inspections (g) Within 3,000 flight cycles after accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection to detect any gap between the strut fitting and the forward mount assembly of both engines, and before further flight, do all applicable related investigative actions, corrective actions, and other specified actions; in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing ASB 757-71A0085, dated March 2, 2006. Thereafter, repeat the actions specified in Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the ASB at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(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. (3) 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 Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization 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 (i) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-71A0085, dated March 2, 2006, 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 April 17, 2006. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 06-3891 Filed 4-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a report indicating that gaps had been found between the strut fitting and the forward engine mount assembly. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct any gaps found between the strut fitting and the forward engine mount assembly of both engines, which could result in separation of the engine from the wing and subsequent loss of control of the airplane.