AD 2009-06-19 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200 and 767-300 Series Airplanes

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

This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-200 and 767-300 series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0147, dated August 16, 2007.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Inspections and Applicable Related Investigative and Corrective Actions (f) Except as provided by paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD: At the applicable compliance time and repeat intervals listed in Tables 1 and 2 of paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0147, dated August 16, 2007, do detailed inspections of the aft pressure bulkhead for damage, mid-frequency eddy current (MFEC) and low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspections of radial web lap splices, tear strap splices, and super tear strap splices for cracking, and applicable corrective actions, by accomplishing all the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. (1) Where Table 1 of paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0147, dated August 16, 2007, specifies a compliance time after the date on that service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0147, dated August 16, 2007, specifies a compliance time of “As given by Boeing” or to contact Boeing for the appropriate action, this AD requires, before further flight, inspections of the area of repair and repair of any damaged/cracked part, as applicable, using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, ATTN: Tamara L. Anderson, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington telephone (425) 917-6421; 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) 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) Inspections of repaired areas approved as an AMOC for the inspection requirements of this AD are also approved as an AMOC to the inspections for the repaired areas only as required by paragraph (d) of AD 2003-18-10. Material Incorporated by Reference (h) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0147, dated August 16, 2007, 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, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1, fax 206-766-5680; e-mail me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference 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 . Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 12, 2009. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9-5961 Filed 3-23-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from analysis that indicates fatigue cracks of the web lap splice, tear strap splice, or super tear strap splice of the aft bulkhead are expected to occur on certain Boeing Model 767-200 and 767-300 series airplanes. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracks of the aft pressure bulkhead, which could result in rapid decompression of the passenger compartment and possible damage or interference with airplane control systems that penetrate the bulkhead, and consequent loss of controllability of the airplane.