AD 2011-01-15 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200CB, and -300 Series Airplanes

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

This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-53-0097, dated November 22, 2010.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Repetitive Inspections/Repair (g) At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-53-0097, dated November 22, 2010, except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD: Do an external detailed, sliding probe eddy current, or spot-probe-medium-frequency eddy current inspection for cracking of the fuselage skin of the crown skin panel along the chem-milled step at stringers S-4L (left) and S-4R (right), stations (STA) 297 through 439, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-53-0097, dated November 22, 2010. Repeat the applicable inspection thereafter at the interval specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-53-0097, dated November 22, 2010. Repair (h) If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Doing the repair ends the repetitive inspections for the repaired area only. Exception to Service Bulletin Specification (i) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-53-0097, dated November 22, 2010, 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. 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 using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. Information may be e-mailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov . (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your Principal Maintenance Inspector or Principal Avionics Inspector, as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards 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 the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that 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. Related Information (k) For more information about this AD, contact Nancy Marsh, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6440; fax (425) 917-6590; e-mail: nancy.marsh@faa.gov . Material Incorporated by Reference (l) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-53-0097, dated November 22, 2010, 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 the 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. (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 an NARA facility, 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 December 28, 2010. Jeffrey E. Duven, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011-51 Filed 1-7-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the fuselage skin of the crown skin panel. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin, which could result in pressure venting and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.