AD 97-17-02 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 Series Airplanes

Models named: 777-200 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 777-200 series airplanes, line numbers 3, 5, 7 through 9 inclusive, 11 through 13 inclusive, 15 through 17 inclusive, and 19 through 22 inclusive; 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 (d) 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 loose bushing retainer nuts of the pivot pins in the horizontal stabilizer hinge assembly, which could result in bushing migration and consequent damage to the adjacent structure, and reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 150 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, torque the bushing retainer nuts to the new torque value of 1,000 to 1,500 in-lbs, in accordance with Figure 2 of the Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53-0006, dated May 8, 1997. Repeat the torquing thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight cycles. Note 2: Where there are differences between the AD and the service bulletin, the AD prevails. (b) If any bushing retainer nut is loose and is not correctly attached to the bushing, prior to further flight, perform a visual inspection to determine whether bushing migration has occurred, in accordance with Figure 2 of the Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53-0006, dated May 8, 1997. (1) If bushing migration has not occurred, prior to further flight, tighten the bushing retainer nuts in accordance with Figure 2 of the service bulletin. Repeat the visual inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight cycles. (2) If bushing migration has occurred, prior to further flight, inspect/replace the bushing and other affected components and repair any damage, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. (c) Accomplishment of installing an anti-rotation bracket in accordance with Figure 3 of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53-0006, dated May 8, 1997, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD. (d) 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO. (e) 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. (f) Certain actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53-0006, dated May 8, 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. (g) This amendment becomes effective on September 4, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 11, 1997. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-21773 Filed 8-19-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U