AD 97-10-02 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Series Airplanes

Models named: 777 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model 777 series airplanes, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To detect and correct corrosion, which could reduce system protection against lightning strikes or high intensity radiated field (HIRF) events, adversely affect wire bundles used for the flight control system, and result in loss of function of certain flight control surface actuators, accomplish the following: (a) Within 12 months after first production test flight of the airplane, or within 60 days, whichever comes later, perform an inspection to determine the part number (P/N) of each wire bundle connector at the wheel well disconnects, as listed in the table in paragraph D. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-27A0019, dated April 3, 1997; and to determine if the wire bundle has a molded backshell; in accordance with paragraph C. of the Accomplishment Instructions in the previously referenced alert service bulletin. (1) If any wire bundle has P/N S280W655-( ) and has a molded backshell, no further action is required by paragraph (a) of this AD. (2) If any wire bundle does not have a molded backshell, prior to further flight, perform a corrosion/resistance inspection to measure the resistance of each bundle in accordance with paragraph D. of the Accomplishment Instructions in the alert service bulletin. (b) If, during any corrosion/resistance inspection required by this AD, the resistance of any wire bundle is found to be 150 milliohms or less, repeat the corrosion/resistance inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 7 months. (c) If, during any corrosion/resistance inspection required by this AD, the resistance of any wire bundle is found to be greater than 150 milliohms, prior to further flight, repair the receptacle bond, repair the bundle connector backshells, or replace the wire bundles, in accordance with paragraph H. of the Accomplishment Instructions in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-27A0019, dated April 3, 1997. Repeat the corrosion/resistance [[Page 24572]] inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD at the time specified in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For airplanes on which any wire bundle has been replaced: Within 12 months after installation of the new wire bundle, accomplish the corrosion/resistance inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD; and thereafter, repeat that inspection at intervals not to exceed 7 months. (2) For airplanes on which any receptacle bond or bundle connector backshells have been repaired: Repeat the corrosion/ resistance inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 7 months. (d) Replacement of existing wire bundle connectors with new overmolded connectors, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, constitutes a terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD. (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO. (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (g) Certain action(s) shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-27A0019, dated April 3, 1997. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (h) This amendment becomes effective on May 21, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 28, 1997. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-11524 Filed 5-5-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U