AD 2008-21-05 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER Series Airplanes

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

This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0395, Revision 1, dated January 25, 2007; equipped with Goodrich door-mounted escape slide/rafts having part numbers (P/N) 5A3294-1, 5A3294-2, 5A3295-1, or 5A3295-3.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Restatement of Certain Requirements of AD 2005-12-14 Inspection for Excessive Tension on the Firing Cable (f) If any door-mounted escape slide/raft having any part number specified in paragraph (c) of this AD is installed: Within 30 days after June 30, 2005 (the effective date of AD 2005-12-14), perform a tension check on the firing cable of the slide/raft, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005. If no excessive tension is detected, no further action is required by this AD, except for the requirements of paragraph (i) of this AD. Note 1: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005, references Goodrich Alert Service Bulletin 5A3294/5A3295-25A356, dated May 11, 2005, as an additional source of service information. Corrective Action for Excessive Tension on the Firing Cable (g) If any excessive tension of the firing cable is detected, before further flight, do the applicable corrective actions in accordance with the Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005. Previous Accomplishment (h) Inspections of the firing cables for excessive tension in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005, that were accomplished before June 30, 2005, are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD, provided that any applicable corrective action was completed. Parts Installation (i) As of June 30, 2005, no person may install on any airplane any Goodrich door-mounted escape slide/raft having P/N 5A3294-1, 5A3294-2, 5A3295-1, or 5A3295-3, unless the tension of the firing cable has been checked and the applicable corrective action completed in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005, or the escape slide/raft has been repacked in accordance with Goodrich Packing Instructions, Evacuation Slide/Raft, Document 501636, Revision G, dated May 16, 2005; Goodrich Packing Instructions, Evacuation Slide/Raft, LH, Document 501637, Revision E, dated May 16, 2005; or Goodrich Packing Instructions, Evacuation Slide/Raft, RH, Document 501638, Revision D, dated May 16, 2005; as applicable. New Requirements of This AD Modification (j) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do the applicable actions specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD, by accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0395, Revision 1, dated January 25, 2007. (1) For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes as identified in the service bulletin: Review the airplane maintenance records to determine if Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0266 has been incorporated, or do a general visual inspection to determine if any door-mounted escape slide/raft having P/N 5A3294-1, 5A3294-2, 5A3295-1, or 5A3295-3 is installed, and before further flight do all the applicable corrective actions. (2) For Groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 airplanes as identified in the service bulletin: Modify the escape slide/rafts. Note 2: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0395, Revision 1, refers to Goodrich Service Bulletin 5A3294/5A3295-25-362, dated July 25, 2006, as an additional source of service information for modifying a door-mounted escape slide/raft. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (k)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, ATTN: Keith Ladderud, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6435; fax (425) 917-6590; has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 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) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2005-12-14 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (f), (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (l) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0395, Revision 1, dated January 25, 2007; as applicable; to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0395, Revision 1, dated January 25, 2007, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) On June 30, 2005 (70 FR 34638, June 15, 2005), the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-25A0390, dated May 13, 2005. (3) 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 September 26, 2008. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-23667 Filed 10-8-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of uncommanded inflation inside the airplane of a door-mounted escape slide/raft located in the passenger compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent injury to maintenance personnel, passengers, and crew during otherwise normal operating conditions and to prevent interference with evacuation of the airplane during an emergency, due to uncommanded inflation of a door-mounted escape slide/raft.