AD 97-15-06 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737, 747, 757, and 767 Series Airplanes

Models named: 737, 747, 757, 767 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 737, 747, 757, and 767 series airplanes equipped with IPECO pilots' seats; as listed in Boeing Service Bulletins 737-25-1334, 747-25-3132, 757-25-0183, and 767-25-0244; all dated December 19, 1996; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 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 (b) 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 prevent uncommanded movement of the pilots' seats during acceleration and take-off of the airplane; accomplish the following: (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time operational test of the pilots' seats and the seat locks to determine that the lock pin of the seat track fully engages in all lock positions of the seat track, in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-1334 (for Model 737 series airplanes), 747- 25-3132 (for Model 747 series airplanes), 757-25-0183 (for Model 757 series airplanes), or 767-25-0244 (for Model 767 series airplanes); all dated December 19, 1996; as applicable. (1) If the seat lock pin fully engages in all lock positions of the seat track, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If the seat lock pin does not fully engage in all positions of the seat track, prior to further flight, re-align the seat tracks, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (a) of this AD. (b) 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 Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. 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. (c) 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. (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-25-1334, dated December 19, 1996; Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3132, dated December 19, 1996; Boeing Service Bulletin 757-25-0183, dated December 19, 1996; or Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0244, dated December 19, 1996. 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. (e) This amendment becomes effective on July 31, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 9, 1997. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-18502 Filed 7-15-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P