AD 2000-03-21
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 767-200 Series | Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 767-300 Series | Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 767-300F Series | Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
Interference between the landing gear control lever and wire bundles adjacent to the landing gear control lever module, leading to wire chafing and arcing, which could result in the inability to extend the landing gear prior to landing.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Perform a one-time detailed visual inspection of the wire expando sleeve of the wire bundles adjacent to the landing gear control lever module. Take follow-on actions and repair, if necessary. Wrap the wire expando sleeve with tape or with zippertubing and tape.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Before further flight
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
Boeing Model 767 series airplanes, as specified in the AD.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Federal Register Abstract
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes, that requires a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect discrepancies of the wire expando sleeve of the wire bundles adjacent to the landing gear control lever module; certain follow-on actions and repair, if necessary; and wrapping the wire expando sleeve with tape, or with zippertubing and tape. This amendment is prompted by reports indicating that the landing gear failed to extend on an in-service airplane, and that the landing gear control cable was severed on a second in-service airplane. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent interference between the landing gear control lever and wire bundles adjacent to the landing gear control lever module, and to prevent wire chafing and arcing between the landing gear control cable and adjacent wire bundles, which could result in the inability to extend the landing gear prior to landing.
Document Text
Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 22, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8645-8649]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 00-3795]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-193-AD; Amendment 39-11581; AD 2000-03-21]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes, that requires
a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect discrepancies of the
wire expando sleeve of the wire bundles adjacent to the landing gear
control lever module; certain follow-on actions and repair, if
necessary; and wrapping the wire expando sleeve with tape, or with
zippertubing and tape. This amendment is prompted by reports indicating
that the landing gear failed to extend on an in-service airplane, and
that the landing gear control cable was severed on a second in-service
airplane. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent
interference between the landing gear control lever and wire bundles
adjacent to the landing gear control lever module, and to prevent wire
chafing and arcing between the landing gear control cable and adjacent
wire bundles, which could result in the inability to extend the landing
gear prior to landing.
DATES: Effective March 28, 2000.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of March 28, 2000.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elias Natsiopoulos, Aerospace
Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-1279;
fax (425) 227-1181.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 series
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on February 17, 1999
(64 FR 7829). That action proposed to require a one-time inspection to
detect discrepancies of the wire expando sleeve of the wire bundles
adjacent to the landing gear control lever module; certain follow-on
actions and repair, if necessary; and wrapping the wire expando sleeve
with tape, or with zippertubing and tape.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Support for the Proposal
Two commenters concur with the proposal. Another commenter states
that it is not affected by the proposal, as the proposed actions have
been accomplished for its fleet.
Request to Clarify Wire Bundle Interference
One commenter, the manufacturer, recommends clarification of the
description of wire bundle interference in the Summary and Discussion
sections of the proposed rule. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
describes two incidents on in-service Model 767 series airplanes. In
the first incident, the expando sleeve on a wire bundle adjacent to the
landing gear lever mechanism in the flight deck became caught on the
lever mechanism such that the lever could not be moved from the UP
position, and the gear was extended by depressurizing the center
hydraulic system. The commenter contends that interference of the wire
bundle expando sleeve with the landing gear control lever did not
result in the wires for the alternate extension system interfering and
arcing with the landing gear UP cable. Such interference and arcing are
unrelated events. The contact with the gear UP cable was solely the
result of the amount of slack in the wire bundle itself. The only wire
bundle long enough to reach the gear UP cable is the one that contains
wires for the alternate extension system.
In the second incident, which was an unrelated incident, a wire
bundle containing wires for the alternate extension system chafed on
the landing gear UP cable, causing arcing and failure of the gear UP
cable; however, the landing gear was extended at the time and gear
extension capability was still available through the gear DOWN cable.
The commenter contends that the inability to extend the landing gear
also is not an issue if the landing gear had been UP and locked; the
landing gear will extend. If the landing gear had been retracted when
the UP cable was severed, and assuming that the alternate extension
system had been rendered inoperative due to the arcing, the normal
extension system is available. When gear DOWN is selected, the landing
gear selector valve will move to
[[Page 8646]]
the gear DOWN position through the landing gear lever and the DOWN
cable, and the landing gear will extend. In addition, because the DOWN
cable is located forward of the UP cable and the wire bundle, the
landing gear DOWN cable is not susceptible to the same arcing and
severing as the UP cable.
For the Summary section of the NPRM, the commenter suggests
clarifying that only one report prompted the NPRM, the landing gear
``UP cable'' was severed, and that ``consequent arcing'' was not a
factor in the interference between the landing gear control lever and
the wire bundles. In addition, the commenter suggests adding that the
proposed AD also is intended to prevent chafing and arcing between the
wire bundle containing wires for the landing gear alternate extension
system and the landing gear UP cable.
The FAA concurs partially with the commenter's recommended changes
to the Summary section of the NPRM and has determined that certain
changes add technical clarity. However, more than one report was
received regarding the unsafe condition; therefore, no change to the
final rule is necessary in that regard.
Although the Summary does not specify which cable (UP or DOWN) was
severed, the FAA points out that one of the reports of an in-service
incident on a Model 767 series airplane does not specify which cable
was severed, or the condition of the other cable. In one incident, the
FAA concluded that it was the UP cable that was damaged because the
flight crew could not retract the landing gear. However, it is not the
severance of the UP cable that could result in the inability to extend
the landing gear, but the loss of the alternate extend system due to
the damaged wires (an undetectable failure) and the inability to move
the control lever from the UP to the DOWN position, or the loss of the
center hydraulic system. In light of this, the final rule has not been
changed to specify which cable was severed.
The FAA has clarified that the action required by the proposed AD
is intended to prevent ``interference'' between the landing gear
control lever module and adjacent wire bundles rather than to prevent
``interference and consequent arcing.'' However, the FAA has determined
that this AD also is intended to ``prevent wire chafing and arcing
between the landing gear control cable and adjacent wire bundles''
rather than ``to prevent chafing and arcing between the wire bundle
containing wires for the landing gear alternate extension system and
the landing gear UP cable.''
For the Discussion section of the NPRM, the commenter suggests
further clarification of what the investigation revealed, and the
damage caused by interference between the landing gear and wire
bundles. The commenter contends that the landing gear still would
extend when the landing gear lever is moved to the DOWN position
because the DOWN cable would not be affected.
Although the FAA agrees with some of the commenter's suggested
changes to the Discussion section of the proposed AD, no changes are
necessary because that section is not included in the final rule.
However, as stated earlier in this AD, the inability to extend the
landing gear is not due to the severance of the UP cable but to a
number of other factors.
The FAA also agrees that the wire bundle that contains the wires of
the landing gear alternate extension system interfered with the landing
gear cable, and that this interference caused the wires of the
alternate extension system to arc. In addition, the FAA agrees that
repeated arcing over a period of time could sever the landing gear
cable; however, as stated earlier, it is not necessary to specify the
``UP'' cable. Further, the FAA agrees that the landing gear will extend
when the landing gear lever is moved to the DOWN position if the
landing gear DOWN cable is unaffected.
Request To Clarify the Wire Bundle Wrapping Procedure
The Air Transport Association (ATA) of America, on behalf of one of
its members, states that this member requests clarification with regard
to the procedure for wrapping the wire bundles. According to the
commenter, the proposed rule gives the option to perform the work in
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-32A0163, original
issue, dated March 5, 1998, or Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0163,
Revision 1, dated October 1, 1998. However, the proposed rule requires
wrapping the wire bundles with ``tape,'' or with ``zippertubing and
tape,'' and does not include the option to wrap the wire bundle with
``zippertubing'' only, as permitted in the original issue of the
service bulletin. (Both versions of the service bulletin are cited in
the proposal as appropriate sources of service information.) For this
reason, the commenter contends that this inconsistency could lead to
confusion and should be clarified.
The FAA acknowledges that clarification of the wrapping procedure
is necessary. Although the original issue of the alert service bulletin
specifies using either ``tape'' or ``zippertubing,'' and the Summary of
Revision 1 of the service bulletin specifies using either ``tape'' or
``zippertubing,'' the FAA points out that the Accomplishment
Instructions of Revision 1 of the service bulletin specify using either
``tape'' or ``zippertubing and tape.''
Although the original issue of the alert service bulletin specifies
wrapping the wire bundles together in a single grouping, Revision 1 of
the service bulletin specifies separating the wire bundles into two
separate groups (one group consisting of a small single wire bundle,
and the other group consisting of the remaining wire bundles that are
larger in trunk diameter). Revision 1 of the service bulletin was
issued after reports indicated that, due to limited access, it was
difficult to wrap all of the wire bundles together in the P31 panel,
and that grouping the wire bundles in a single wrap resulted in a
stiff, unmanageable assembly. The FAA was informed by the manufacturer
that zippertubing small enough for wrapping a single wire bundle is
unavailable, and using a larger size of zippertubing is not
recommended. For that reason, Revision 1 of the service bulletin
includes the preferred procedures for separating the wire bundles into
two groups for wrapping and provides an easier method for accomplishing
those actions than the original issue of the alert service bulletin.
[The FAA has added Note 3 following paragraph (a) of this AD to specify
this information.] The FAA has determined that if operators have
accomplished the action required to wrap the expando sleeve with either
``tape'' or ``zippertubing only'' in accordance with the original issue
of the alert service bulletin, that action is adequate in addressing
the identified unsafe condition. References to the type of wrapping
required have been removed from paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2)(i),
(a)(2)(ii)(A), or (a)(2)(ii)(B) of the final rule.
Request To Extend the Compliance Time and Change Inspection
Requirements
The ATA, on behalf of one of its members, requests that the
proposed compliance threshold for the initial inspection be extended to
1 year after the effective date of the AD, so that the required
inspections can be conducted in a controlled hangar environment.
According to the commenter, with a fleet of 79 Model 767 series
airplanes affected by this proposed rule, the 90-day compliance time
would pose a significant operational burden; whereas,
[[Page 8647]]
an extension of the compliance time to 1 year would allow sufficient
flexibility to perform the inspection at the next scheduled
maintenance.
The FAA does not concur with the request to extend the compliance
time. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this action, the
FAA considered not only the safety implications but the normal
maintenance schedules for timely accomplishment of the required
inspection and corrective actions. In consideration of these items and
reports of the identified unsafe condition, the FAA has determined that
a 90-day compliance time represents an appropriate interval of time
allowable wherein the corrective actions can be accomplished during
scheduled maintenance intervals for the majority of affected operators,
and an adequate level of safety can be maintained. The FAA points out
this AD does not require that inspections be performed in a controlled
hangar environment. In addition, other operators with large fleets of
Model 767 series airplanes have already complied with those
requirements. No change to paragraph (a) of the final rule is necessary
in this regard.
Request for an Additional Modification of the Landing Gear
One commenter states that the accomplishment of an additional
modification of the control lever module, in accordance with Boeing
Service Bulletin 757-32-0179, dated December 22, 1998, is necessary to
provide a newly designed left-side plate of the landing gear control
lever module. Although the actions required by the proposed AD are
intended to detect and prevent possible interference between the wire
bundle and landing gear control lever module, such action does not
completely remove the possibility that such interference could occur in
the specific area of the landing gear control lever module behind the
instrument panel. Such a modification would effectively prevent
interference between the wire bundle and the control lever module and
also prevent a subsequent ``blocked'' lever.
The FAA does not concur that the final rule should include a
requirement for installing a newly designed left-side plate of the
landing gear control lever module in accordance with Service Bulletin
767-32-0179. Accomplishment of the actions specified by either the
original issue or Revision 1 of Service Bulletin 767-32A0163 is
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition by
preventing interference between the landing gear control lever and wire
bundles adjacent to the landing gear control lever module and by
preventing wire chafing and arcing between the landing gear control
cable and adjacent wire bundles. The FAA points out that, although the
new left-side plate specified by Service Bulletin 767-32-0179 provides
a barrier between the wire bundles and landing gear control lever
module, such a plate does not protect the wires from chafing.
Request for Issuance of an Interim Flight Crew Procedure
One commenter states that it considers issuance of a flight crew
operating procedure by an operational bulletin to be essential in
providing instructions on how to shut down the center hydraulic system
for Model 767 series airplanes and subsequently extend the landing
gear. The commenter contends that this procedure is necessary until a
hydraulic bypass valve is installed (as described in the following
paragraphs).
Although the FAA acknowledges the concerns of the commenter
regarding issuance of a flight crew operating procedure for shutting
down the center hydraulic system, it does not concur that this AD
should include such a procedure. The FAA has determined that, because
of the complexity of the hydraulic system, issuance of such an
operating procedure could introduce other unforeseeable problems. At
the present time, shutting down the center hydraulic system is only
used in an emergency situation, and such a decision is determined by
the flight crew. The FAA considers that such a provision is adequate in
addressing the identified unsafe condition and ensuring the continued
safety of the affected fleet. No change to this final rule is necessary
in this regard.
Request To Install a Hydraulic Bypass Valve for the Landing Gear
One commenter recommends installing a hydraulic bypass valve in the
landing gear hydraulic system on Model 767 series airplanes. Because of
an incident that occurred in the 1980's on a Model 757 series airplane
in which the flight crew was unable to extend the landing gear when a
blocked system occurred while the landing gear was in the UP position,
the manufacturer issued Boeing Service Bulletin 757-32-0053, which
specifies installation of a hydraulic bypass valve. Such a valve
bypasses the hydraulic pressure from the UP position when using the
alternate gear extension system, and allows the gear to be extended
with the extension system, even with the gear UP pressure still applied
when the extension system is blocked in its UP position. The hydraulic
bypass valve, specified by Service Bulletin 757-32-0053 and installed
in Model 757 series airplanes in accordance with that service bulletin,
also is available for Model 767 series airplanes as a masterchange for
retrofit, and has been installed on one operator's fleet of Model 767
series airplanes.
However, the commenter contends that accomplishment of the actions
specified by Service Bulletin 767-32-0179 and those specified by the
original issue and Revision 1 of Service Bulletin 767-32A0163 would
only prevent an incident in which the flight crew would be unable to
extend the landing gear if the cause is related to the landing gear
control lever module or its adjacent wire bundles. The flight crew
would still be unable to extend the landing gear when a blocked system
in the UP position is caused by a different component of the landing
gear extension system. That this possibility exists is indicated by the
fact that this condition occurred on Model 757 series airplanes in the
1980's (as described previously).
The commenter also states that one operator of a Model 767 series
airplane experienced an inflight event when the landing gear lever
failed to move from the UP to the OFF position. Following this event,
extensive troubleshooting revealed the anomaly of the wire bundle and
the associated landing gear lever module, as described in the proposed
rule. Based on those findings and the immediate action taken to prevent
such an incident in the future, the commenter has investigated and
reviewed the entire design of the landing gear extension system, and
has concluded that a design deficiency exists in the Model 767 landing
gear extension system.
The FAA acknowledges the concerns of the commenter, and may
consider additional rulemaking to address that concern in the future on
certain airplanes. However, while there may be merit to the commenter's
suggestion regarding installation of a hydraulic bypass valve, this AD
is not the appropriate context in which to evaluate that suggestion.
The FAA finds that to delay this action would be inappropriate in light
of the identified unsafe condition. In addition, at the present time,
the FAA has not determined all of the failure modes of the hydraulic
bypass valve and the effects of such failures on the landing gear
hydraulic system for Model 767 series airplanes. Therefore, no change
to the final rule is deemed necessary.
[[Page 8648]]
Request To Add a Phrase to the Proposed AD
One commenter states that it has reviewed the proposed NPRM and,
having already commenced embodiment of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-
32A0163, would like to see the words ``unless previously accomplished''
inserted before paragraph (a) of the proposed NPRM.
The FAA points out that operators are always given credit for work
accomplished previously, and that the compliance statement of an AD
includes the phrase ``Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.'' Therefore, no change to the final rule is necessary.
Explanation of Changes Made to the Proposal
The FAA has clarified the inspection requirements by specifying a
``detailed visual inspection'' rather than an ``inspection,'' which was
cited in the Summary of the NPRM, or a ``visual inspection,'' which was
cited in paragraphs (a), (a)(2), and (a)(2)(ii) of the proposed AD. In
addition, in the final rule Note 2 has been added to clarify the
definition of a detailed visual inspection. The final rule has been
changed accordingly.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously
described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 666 Model 767 series airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 268
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will
take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the required
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. The cost
of required parts are nominal. Based on these figures, the cost impact
of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $16,080, or $60 per
airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial
number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
``ADDRESSES.''
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
2000-03-21 Boeing: Amendment 39-11581. Docket 98-NM-193-AD.
Applicability: Model 767 airplanes, as listed in Boeing Service
Bulletin 767-32A0163, Revision 1, dated October 1, 1998;
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.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent interference between the landing gear control lever
and wire bundles adjacent to the landing gear control lever module,
and to prevent wire chafing and arcing between the landing gear
control cable and adjacent wire bundles, which could result in the
inability to extend the landing gear prior to landing, accomplish
the following:
Detailed Visual Inspection
(a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, perform
a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect discrepancies (i.e.,
cut, abrasion, fraying, and arcing) of the wire expando sleeve of
the wire bundles adjacent to the landing gear control lever module,
in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-32A0163, dated
March 5, 1998, or Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0163, Revision 1,
dated October 1, 1998.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage,
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as
mirrors, magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and
elaborate access procedures may be required.''
Note 3: Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0163, Revision 1, dated
October 1, 1998, specifies the preferred procedures for separating
the wire bundles into two groups for wrapping, which is an easier
method for accomplishing those actions.
Follow-On Actions, Repair, and Wire Wrapping
(1) If no discrepancy of the wire expando sleeve is detected,
prior to further flight, wrap the wire expando sleeve in accordance
with the alert service bulletin or Revision 1.
(2) If any discrepancy of the wire expando sleeve is detected,
prior to further flight, perform a detailed visual inspection to
detect discrepancies of the varglas layer, in accordance with the
alert service bulletin or Revision 1.
(i) If no discrepancy of the varglas layer is detected, prior to
further flight, repair and wrap the wire expando sleeve in
accordance with the alert service bulletin or Revision 1.
(ii) If any discrepancy of the varglas layer is detected, prior
to further flight, perform a detailed visual inspection to detect
discrepancies of the wire bundles, in accordance with the alert
service bulletin or Revision 1.
(A) If no discrepancy of the wire bundles is detected, prior to
further flight, rewrap the
[[Page 8649]]
wires with new varglas layer, and repair and wrap the wire expando
sleeve in accordance with the alert service bulletin or Revision 1.
(B) If any discrepancy of the wire bundles is detected, prior to
further flight, repair the wires, rewrap the wire bundles with new
varglas layer, and repair and wrap the wire expando sleeve in
accordance with the alert service bulletin or Revision 1.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Seattle ACO.
Special Flight Permits
(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.
Incorporation by Reference
(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 767-32A0163, dated March 5, 1998, or Boeing Service
Bulletin 767-32A0163, Revision 1, dated October 1, 1998. 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 March 28, 2000.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 11, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-3795 Filed 2-18-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
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