Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11581 · Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes
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.
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.
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:
(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.
(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 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.
