AD 2007-24-08 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Airplanes

Models named: 767-200, -300, -300F, -400ER series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all Boeing Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER 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. Service Bulletin References (f) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions and Appendices A, B, and C of the following service bulletins, as applicable: (1) For Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-27-0197, Revision 1, dated July 19, 2007; and (2) For Model 767-400ER series airplanes: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-27-0198, Revision 1, dated July 19, 2007. Repetitive Measurements (g) At the latest of the compliance times specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD, as applicable: Measure the rudder and elevator freeplay. Repeat the measurement thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12,000 flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first. Do all actions required by this paragraph in accordance with the service bulletin. (1) Within 14 months after the effective date of this AD. (2) Within 36 months since the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness. (3) For the elevator freeplay measurement: Within 12,000 flight hours or within 36 months after the last elevator freeplay inspection accomplished in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-27-0197 or 767-27-0198, both dated October 27, 2005, as applicable, whichever occurs first. Related Investigative and Corrective Actions (h) If any measurement found during the measurement required by paragraph (g) of this AD exceeds any applicable limit specified in the service bulletin: Before further flight, do the applicable related investigative and corrective actions in accordance with the service bulletin. Initial Lubrication (i) At the latest of the compliance times specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD, as applicable: Lubricate the rudder and elevator components specified in the service bulletin. Do all actions required by this paragraph in accordance with the service bulletin. (1) Within 9 months after the effective date of this AD, or within 9 months since the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness; whichever occurs later. (2) For airplanes on which BMS 3-33 grease is not already in use prior to the time the lubrication task is being accomplished: Within 3,000 flight hours or 9 months after the last lubrication accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin or Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-27-0197 or 767-27-0198, both dated October 27, 2005, whichever occurs first. (3) For airplanes on which BMS 3-33 grease is already in use prior to the time the lubrication task is being accomplished: Within 6,000 flight hours or 18 months after the last lubrication accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin or Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-27-0197 or 767-27-0198, both dated October 27, 2005, whichever occurs first. Repetitive Lubrication (j) Repeat the lubrication required in paragraph (i) of this AD at the applicable interval specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD. (1) For airplanes on which BMS 3-33 grease is not already in use prior to the time the lubrication task is being accomplished: At intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight hours or 9 months, whichever occurs first. (2) For airplanes on which BMS 3-33 grease is already in use prior to the time the lubrication task is being accomplished: At intervals not to exceed 6,000 flight hours or 18 months, whichever occurs first. Repetitive Prior or Concurrent Inspection (k) For airplanes specified in paragraphs (k)(1) and (k)(2) of this AD: Prior to or concurrently with the accomplishment of each elevator freeplay measurement specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, do all applicable actions required by AD 2001-04-09. (1) Group 1, configuration 2, airplanes as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-27-0197, Revision 1, dated July 19, 2007. (2) Group 1, configuration 1, airplanes as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-27-0198, Revision 1, dated July 19, 2007. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (l)(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) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (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. (4) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2006-11-12 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD. (5) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2001-04-09, are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (k) of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-27-0197, Revision 1, dated July 19, 2007; or Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-27-0198, Revision 1, dated July 19, 2007; 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 November 16, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-22854 Filed 11-27-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of freeplay-induced vibration of the rudder and the elevator. 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 excessive vibration of the airframe during flight, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.