Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14417 · Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 Series Airplanes
This AD applies to Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27A0056, Revision 1, dated July 8, 2004.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections of the forward lugs of the power control unit (PCU), yoke assembly, and forward attachment hardware of the left inboard, left outboard, right inboard, and right outboard flaperon PCUs; and other specified/corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires other related concurrent actions. This AD results from reports indicating that operators have found worn, fretted, and fractured bolts that attach the yoke assembly to the flaperon PCU. We are issuing this AD to prevent damage and eventual fracture of the yoke assembly, pin assembly, and attachment bolts that connect the inboard and outboard PCUs to a flaperon, which could lead to the flaperon becoming unrestrained and consequently departing from the airplane. Loss of a flaperon could result in asymmetric lift and reduced roll control of an airplane. A departing flaperon could also cause damage to the horizontal and vertical stabilizers, which could result in loss of control of the airplane if damage is significant.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
At the applicable compliance time(s) specified in Table 1 of this AD, do detailed inspections of the parts specified in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(5) of the left inboard, left outboard, right inboard, and right outboard flaperon PCUs; and do any other specified and corrective actions as applicable; by doing all of the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27A0056, Revision 1, dated July 8, 2004. Do the other specified action and applicable corrective actions before further flight.
(1) Forward lugs of the PCU for nicks, gouges, and fretting damage.
(2) Aft lugs of the yoke assembly for fretting damage.
(3) Aft lugs of the yoke assembly for signs of wear on the anti-rotation lugs, unless paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, as applicable, has been accomplished.
(4) Aft lugs of the yoke assembly bearings for signs of migration or rotation, unless paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, as applicable, has been accomplished.
(5) Attachment hardware for the PCU to yoke assembly for damage.
| Applicable airplanes | Initial inspection | Repetitive inspections |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 airplanes: Model 777-200 and -300 airplanes powered by General Electric or Pratt & Whitney engines, line numbers (L/Ns) 1 through 297 inclusive | Before the accumulation of 5,000 total flight cycles since the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness and certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness; or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD; whichever is later | None. |
| Group 2 airplanes: Model 777-200 and -300 airplanes powered by Rolls-Royce engines, L/Ns 1 through 297 inclusive | Before the accumulation of 1,000 total flight cycles since the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness; or within 180 days after the effective date of this AD; whichever is later | At intervals not to exceed 5,000 flight hours or 750 days, whichever is later. |
| Group 3 airplanes: Model 777-200 and -300 airplanes powered by Rolls-Royce engines, L/Ns 298 and subsequent | Before the accumulation of 5,000 total flight hours since the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness; or within 750 days after the effective date of this AD; whichever is later | At intervals not to exceed 5,000 flight hours or 750 days, whichever is later. |
For Model 777-200 series airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27-0009, Revision 1, dated May 8, 2003: Before or concurrently with accomplishing paragraph (f) of this AD, replace the yoke assemblies and pins of the left inboard, left outboard, right inboard, and right outboard flaperon PCUs with new, improved yoke assemblies and pins by doing all of the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27-0009, Revision 1, dated May 8, 2003; except where the service bulletin specifies installing yoke assembly having part number (P/N) 251W1130-1, install yoke assembly having P/N 251W1130-3.
For Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27-0049, dated August 30, 2001: Replacing the yoke assemblies of the left inboard, left outboard, right inboard, and right outboard flaperon PCUs with new, improved yoke assemblies having improved bearing retention, and doing any other specified and corrective actions, by doing all of the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27-0049, dated August 30, 2001, terminates the detailed inspections required by paragraphs (f)(3) and (f)(4) of this AD.
(i) Accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraph (b) or (d) of AD 99-13-05, amendment 39-11198, before the effective date of this AD is acceptable for compliance with the pin replacements of the left and right outboard flaperon PCUs required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on any airplane the following parts: Yoke assembly having P/N S251W115-3 or P/N 251W1130-1; and pin having P/N S251W115-2.
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
