AD 2006-19-12 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 Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-54-0021, Revision 1, dated March 16, 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. Inspection, Installation, and Replacement Actions (f) Except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), (f)(3), and (f)(4) of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-54-0021, Revision 1, dated March 16, 2006. (1) Do a general visual inspection of the lower web of the aft fairing for any discoloration and do any related investigative action. (2) Do a general visual inspection of the heat shield castings for any damage (crack(s), dent(s), gouge(s), warpage, fretting, or missing/loose nutplates). (3) Install gap cover strips on the heat shield pans. (4) Replace insulation blankets on the heat shield pans with new insulation blankets. Repair Instructions (g) If any damage, discoloration, heat damage, or crack is found during any inspection required by this AD: Before further flight, do all applicable corrective actions in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, or in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-54-0021, Revision 1, dated March 16, 2006. Previously Accomplished Actions (h) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-54-0021, dated June 23, 2005, are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD, except where the service bulletin does not provide an International Annealed Copper Standard (ICAS) value for determining the results of the inspection for heat damage, the maximum acceptable ICAS value is 42 percent. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i)(1) The Manager, Seattle 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. (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 (j) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-54-0021, Revision 1, dated March 16, 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 September 13, 2006. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 06-8122 Filed 9-22-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a report that several discolored fairing lower webs and some damaged/deteriorated insulation blankets were found in the aft fairings of engine struts. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of lower webs of the aft fairings, which could result in flammable hydraulic fluid leaking onto or near an ignition source, and possibly result in an uncontrollable fire in the engine strut area.