AD 2008-13-20 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757 Airplanes Equipped With Rolls Royce RB211-535E Engines

Models named: 757-200, -200CB, -200PF, -300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Boeing Model 757-200, -200CB, -200PF, and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category; equipped with Rolls Royce RB211-535E engines.

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/Investigative and Corrective Actions (f) At the time specified in paragraph 1.E. “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049 or 757-54-0050, both dated July 16, 2007, as applicable, except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for signs of damage of the aft hinge fittings and attachment bolts of the thrust reversers by doing all the actions, including all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, as specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions at the time specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of the applicable service bulletin. If any damage is found and the service bulletins specify to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this AD. (g) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletins 757-54-0049 and 757-54-0050, both dated July 16, 2007, specify compliance times relative to the date on the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. Optional Terminating Action (h) Accomplishing the preventive modification specified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049 or 757-54-0050, both dated July 16, 2007, terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f) of this AD. Concurrent Actions (i) Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the actions specified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049, dated July 16, 2007, accomplish the replacement specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-54-0015, Revision 3, dated September 19, 1996. (j) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 757-54-0015, dated February 16, 1989; Revision 1, dated December 20, 1990; or Revision 2, dated April 21, 1994 are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (k)(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. Material Incorporated by Reference (l) You must use the Boeing service information contained in Table 1 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. (3) You may review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Table 1.—Material Incorporated by Reference Service information Revision Date Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0015 3 September 19, 1996. Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049 Original July 16, 2007. Boeing Service Bulletin 757-54-0050 Original July 16, 2007. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 8, 2008. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-14190 Filed 7-1-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of several incidents of bolt failure at the aft hinge fittings of the thrust reversers due to, among other things, high operational loads. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the attachment bolts and consequent separation of a thrust reverser from the airplane during flight, which could result in structural damage to the airplane.