Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11927 · Boeing Model 757-200 Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 757-200 Series Airplanes
Model 757-200 series airplanes, certificated in any category, having Air Cargo Equipment cargo loader systems.
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 (c) 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) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 757-200 series airplanes. This action requires repetitive inspections of the cargo loader system in the forward and aft cargo compartments to detect discrepancies, and corrective actions, if necessary. This action is necessary to detect and correct such discrepancies, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage and consequent cabin depressurization.
To detect and correct discrepancies of the cargo loader system in the forward and aft cargo compartments, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage and consequent cabin depressurization, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 60 days or 300 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Perform a detailed visual inspection of the cargo loader system in the forward and aft cargo compartments to detect discrepancies (i.e., improper operation, wear damage of the fiberglass pan and fuselage frames), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-25A0233, dated August 10, 2000. If no discrepancies are detected, or the cargo loader system is reactivated after repair of damage, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 flight cycles.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual 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 intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.”
(b) If any discrepancies (i.e., improper operation, wear damage of the fiberglass pan or fuselage frames), are detected during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, before further flight: Repair the discrepancies and deactivate the cargo loader system in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-25A0233, dated August 10, 2000. Further, if the damage to the fuselage frame(s) is greater than the limits shown in the 757 Structural Repair Manual, accomplish the repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Reactivate the cargo loader system only in accordance with a method 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.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Aircraft
