AD 2006-11-13 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

Models named: 777-200, -300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-52-0033, Revision 1, dated June 12, 2003.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Replacement (f) For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-52-0033, Revision 1, dated June 12, 2003: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the battery packs of the EPAS of the left and right non-overwing exit doors with new battery packs by doing all the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-52-0033, Revision 1, dated June 12, 2003. Replacement or Modification (g) For Group 2 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-52-0033, Revision 1, dated June 12, 2003: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions specified in either paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD. (1) Replace the battery packs as required by paragraph (f) of this AD. (2) Modify the battery packs by doing all the actions specified in Boeing Component Service Bulletin 285W0955-24-01, dated November 21, 2002. Credit for Actions Accomplished Previously (h) Accomplishing the applicable actions required by paragraph (f) or (g) of this AD before the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-52-0033, dated November 21, 2002, is considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions in this AD. Part number (P/N) S906-10207-2 (for a 9-volt alkaline battery), shown in Paragraph 2.C.2. of that service bulletin, is not a valid P/N; the correct P/N that must be used is P/N S906-10135-8011. Parts Installation (i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a EPAS battery pack, P/N S283W203-1 or P/N 285W0955-101, on any airplane. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(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 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 (k) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin 777-52-0033, Revision 1, dated June 12, 2003; and Boeing Component Service Bulletin 285W0955-24-01, dated November 21, 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 May 16, 2006. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 06-4845 Filed 5-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by intermittent failures of the emergency power assist system (EPAS) battery pack found during testing, which are due to switch contamination, cam alignment problems, and inadequate self-test capability. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the EPAS, which could result in the inability to open the exit door during an emergency evacuation.