AD 2011-02-03 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 757 Airplanes

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

This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Inspections and Corrective Actions (g) At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-32-0176, Revision 1, dated October 16, 2008, except that where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-32-0176, Revision 1, dated October 16, 2008, specifies a compliance time after the date “on this service bulletin,” this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD: Do a general visual inspection to determine the material (aluminum or composite) of the two springs in the spin brake assemblies in the nose wheel well. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the material can be conclusively determined from that review. At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-32-0176, Revision 1, dated October 16, 2008, do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, and all repetitive inspections thereafter in accordance with Parts 2 through 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-32-0176, Revision 1, dated October 16, 2008; except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD. Optional Terminating Actions (h) Replacing an aluminum spin brake assembly with a spin brake assembly made of composite material in accordance with Figure 5 of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-32-0176, Revision 1, dated October 16, 2008, ends the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD for that spring. (i) Replacing an aluminum spring with a spring made of corrosion-resistant steel (CRES), in accordance with Figure 6 of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-32-0176, Revision 1, dated October 16, 2008, ends the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD for that spring. Exception to the Service Bulletin: Using a Serviceable Spin Brake Assembly (j) A serviceable spin brake assembly may be used to replace a cracked part, provided that it has been inspected and all applicable related investigative and corrective actions have been applied in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. Parts Installation (k) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an aluminum spring on any airplane unless it has been inspected and all applicable related investigative and corrective actions have been applied in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. Credit for Previous Revision of Service Bulletin (l) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-32-0176, dated September 10, 2007, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (m)(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. Send information to ATTN: Steve Fox, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6425; fax (425) 917-6590; Or, e-mail information to 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (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 principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (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. Material Incorporated by Reference (n) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-32-0176, Revision 1, dated October 16, 2008, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. If you accomplish the optional actions specified in this AD, you must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-32-0176, Revision 1, dated October 16, 2008, to perform those actions, 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. (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 December 30, 2010. Suzanne Masterson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011-371 Filed 1-11-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of cracked and broken aluminum springs. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracked or broken springs. A cracked or broken spring could separate from the airplane and result in potential hazard to persons or property on the ground, or ingestion into the engine with engine damage and potential shutdown, or damage to the airplane.