AD 2006-13-03 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757 Airplanes

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

This AD applies to Boeing Model 757-200, -200PF, and -200CB series airplanes as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-28A0076, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2005; and Model 757-300 series airplanes as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-28A0077, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2005; certificated in any category.

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(s),” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of the following service bulletins, as applicable. (1) For Model 757-200, -200CB, and -200PF series airplanes: Boeing Service Bulletin 757-28A0076, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2005. (2) For Model 757-300 series airplanes: Boeing Service Bulletin 757-28A0077, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2005. Hose Fitting and Spar Bonding Rework and Sealant Application (g) For Group 1 airplanes as identified in the service bulletins: Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, rework the spar bonding path between the end fitting of the fuel feed hose and the front spar, and apply sealant to the hose fitting on the forward and aft side of the front spar and to the fitting and tube coupling on both sides of the dry bay wall, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Bonding Resistance Test (h) For Group 2 airplanes as identified in the service bulletins: Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, do a bonding resistance test between the fuel feed hose and the front spars of the left and right wings, in accordance with the service bulletins. (1) If the test meets required resistance limits, before further flight, apply sealant to the end fitting of the fuel feed hose on the aft side of the front spar and to the fitting and tube coupling on both sides of the dry bay wall, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. (2) If the test does not meet required resistance limits, before further flight, remove any existing sealant at the front spar; rework the spar bonding path between the end fitting of the fuel feed hose and the front spar to meet bonding resistance test requirements; and apply sealant to the end fitting of the fuel feed hose on the forward and aft sides of the front spar, and to the fitting and tube coupling on both sides of the dry bay wall, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Inspection of Electrical Bonding Jumper (i) For all airplanes as identified in the service bulletins: Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual inspection and applicable corrective actions to ensure that an electrical bonding jumper is installed between the engine fuel feed tube and the adjacent wing station 285.65 rib in the left and right wing fuel tanks, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Replacement of O-Ring and Test (j) For airplanes on which the actions in paragraphs (g) or (h)(2) of this AD were done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-28A0076, dated August 27, 2004; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-28A0077, dated August 27, 2004; as applicable: Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the O-ring, part number (P/N) MS29513-330 with a new O-ring, P/N MS29513-328, and do a leak test before further flight after reassembly. Do all actions in accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin. Exception to Accomplishment Instructions in Service Bulletins (k) Although Boeing Service Bulletin 757-28A0076, Revision 1; and Boeing Service Bulletin 757-28A0077, Revision 1; both dated October 20, 2005, permit operator's equivalent procedures (OEP), this AD would require using the referenced airplane maintenance manuals, except that operators may use their own FAA-approved OEPs to drain the left and right engine fuel tubes, to drain and ventilate the fuel tanks, and to enter the fuel tanks. Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Original Issues of Service Bulletins (l) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-28A0076 and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-28A0077, both dated August 27, 2004, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of paragraphs (g), (h)(1), (h)(2), and (i) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (m)(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 (n) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin 757-28A0076, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2005; or Boeing Service Bulletin 757-28A0077, Revision 1, dated October 20, 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 June 9, 2006. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 06-5501 Filed 6-19-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent arcing or sparking at the interface between the bulkhead fittings of the engine fuel feed tube and the front spar during a lightning strike, which could provide a possible ignition source for the fuel vapor inside the fuel tank and result in a fuel tank explosion.