AD 2007-10-03 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

Models named: 767-200, -300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes; certificated in any category; with a metered fire extinguisher system in the aft cargo compartment.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspections and Corrective Actions (f) Within 24 months or 8,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever is first: Accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-26A0130, Revision 2, dated October 31, 2006: Perform detailed and general visual inspections for discrepancies of the fire extinguishing tube assemblies between station (STA) 1140 and STA 1340, and the insulation of the metered fire extinguisher system and the bleed air duct couplings of the APU located in the aft cargo compartment, and any applicable corrective actions, by doing all the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-26A0130, Revision 2, dated October 31, 2006. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight in accordance with the service bulletin. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24 months or 8,000 flight hours, whichever is first. Installation of the tube assembly in the correct location, in accordance with the service bulletin, terminates the repetitive inspections for that assembly only. (2) For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-26A0123, dated August 22, 2002: Accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (f)(2)(i) and (f)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable. (i) Perform a general visual inspection for sufficient clearance between the fire extinguishing tube and the APU duct on the left sidewall from STA 1355 through 1365 inclusive, and do all applicable modifications, by doing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-26A0123, dated August 22, 2002. Do all applicable modifications before further flight. (ii) If there is insufficient clearance between the fire extinguishing tube and the APU duct: Before further flight, accomplish the modification of the fire extinguishing tube assembly by doing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-26-0118, Revision 2, dated December 21, 2004. Accomplishing the modification in this paragraph terminates the repetitive inspections for that assembly only. Credit for Actions Accomplished Previously (g) Accomplishing the inspections and corrective actions required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD before the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-26A0130, dated December 2, 2004, or Revision 1, dated December 15, 2005; is considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. (h) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this AD before the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-26-0118, dated June 20, 2002, or Revision 1, dated October 3, 2002; is considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions in paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this AD for accomplishing the modification of the fire extinguishing tube assembly. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i)(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 (j) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin 767-26A0130, Revision 2, dated October 31, 2006; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-26A0123, dated August 22, 2002; and Boeing Service Bulletin 767-26-0118, Revision 2, dated December 21, 2004; 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 FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html . Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 30, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-8767 Filed 5-8-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by one report indicating that an operator found a hole in the discharge tube assembly for the metered fire extinguishing system; and another report indicating that an operator found chafing of the fire extinguishing tube against the auxiliary power unit (APU) duct that resulted in a crack in the tube. We are issuing this AD to prevent fire extinguishing agent from leaking out of the tube assembly in the aft cargo compartment which, in the event of a fire in the aft cargo compartment, could result in an insufficient concentration of fire extinguishing agent, and consequent inability of the fire extinguishing system to suppress the fire.