AD 2006-26-06 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 Series Airplanes Equipped with Rolls-Royce Engines

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, equipped with Rolls-Royce engines; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-78-0064, Revision 1, dated November 30, 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. Repetitive Inspections (f) Do the detailed inspections to detect cracks in the outer V-blade of the thrust reversers. Do the inspections in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-78-0064, Revision 1, dated November 30, 2006. Do the inspections at the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E. of the service bulletin; except, where the service bulletin specifies an initial compliance time after the date on the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified time after the effective date of this AD. Do applicable corrective actions before further flight in accordance with the service bulletin or paragraph (h) of this AD. (g) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-78-0064, dated August 7, 2006, are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD. Report (h) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, send a report of the findings (both positive and negative) of each inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD to the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. The report must include the information specified in Appendix A of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-78-0064, Revision 1, dated November 30, 2006. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (1) For all inspections done after the effective date of this AD: Send the report within 10 days after the inspection. (2) For any inspection done before the effective date of this AD: Send the report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD. Optional Terminating Action (i) Accomplishment of the applicable inspections and related investigative/corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-78-0061, dated July 6, 2006, terminates the requirements of this AD; except, where the service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for appropriate action, repair before further flight using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(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 § 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. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-78-0064, Revision 1, dated November 30, 2006, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. If the optional terminating action is accomplished, you must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-78-0061, dated July 6, 2006, to perform the optional terminating actions specified in 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 December 14, 2006. Stephen P. Boyd, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6-22040 Filed 12-26-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of cracked outer V-blades in the thrust reversers. We are issuing this AD to prevent separation of a thrust reverser from the airplane during normal reverse thrust or during a refused takeoff, which could result in impact damage to other airplane areas. If a thrust reverser separates from the airplane during a refused takeoff, the engine could produce forward thrust, resulting in unexpected thrust asymmetry and a possible runway excursion.