AD 2007-13-05 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Airplanes

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

This AD applies to all Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes, 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. Repetitive Measurements (f) At the applicable times specified in Tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, dated July 18, 2006, except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD: Measure the freeplay of the right and left elevators, rudder, and rudder tab; and do all related investigative and corrective actions before further flight; by accomplishing all the actions specified in Parts 1, 3, and 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, dated July 18, 2006, as applicable. Repeat the measurements and related investigative and corrective actions thereafter at the interval specified in Table 1, 2, or 3 of the service bulletin, as applicable. Repetitive Lubrication (g) At the applicable times specified in Tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, dated July 18, 2006, except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD: Lubricate the elevator components, rudder components, and rudder tab components, by accomplishing all the actions specified in Parts 2, 4, and 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, dated July 18, 2006, as applicable. Repeat the lubrication thereafter at the interval specified in Table 1, 2, or 3 of the service bulletin, as applicable. Concurrent Compliance Times (h) If a freeplay measurement of a specified part required by paragraph (f) of this AD and a lubrication of the same part required by paragraph (g) of this AD are due at the same time or will be accomplished during the same maintenance visit, the freeplay measurement and all related investigative and corrective actions must be done before the lubrication is accomplished. Exceptions to Compliance Times (i) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, dated July 18, 2006, recommends an initial compliance threshold of “Within 36 months after the date on this service bulletin” for Parts 1, 3, and 5 of the service bulletin, this AD requires an initial compliance threshold of “within 36 months after the effective date of this AD.” Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, dated July 18, 2006, recommends an initial compliance threshold of “Within 16 months after the date on this service bulletin” for Parts 2, 4, and 6 of the service bulletin, this AD requires an initial compliance threshold of “within 16 months after the effective date of this AD.” 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 § 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 (k) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, dated July 18, 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 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 the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 11, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-11676 Filed 6-19-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of freeplay-induced vibration of unbalanced control surfaces. Excessive freeplay of control surfaces can cause unacceptable airframe vibration during flight. The potential for vibration of the control surface should be avoided because the point of transition from vibration to divergent flutter is unknown. We are issuing this AD to prevent flutter, which can cause damage to the control surface structure and consequent loss of control of the airplane.