96-5253. Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes Equipped With General Electric CF6-80C2 Series Engines

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 46 (Thursday, March 7, 1996)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 9091-9096]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-5253]
    
    
    
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    [[Page 9092]]
    
    
    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 94-NM-28-AD; Amendment 39-9528; AD 95-13-12 R1]
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes 
    Equipped With General Electric CF6-80C2 Series Engines
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule; correction.
    
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    SUMMARY: This amendment clarifies information in an existing 
    airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 
    series airplanes, that currently requires tests, inspections, and 
    adjustments of the thrust reverser system. That AD also requires 
    installation of a terminating modification and repetitive follow-on 
    actions. The actions specified in that AD are intended to prevent 
    possible discrepancies that exist in the current thrust reverser 
    control system, which could result in inadvertent deployment of a 
    thrust reverser during flight. This amendment clarifies the 
    requirements of the current AD by specifying a revised number of pound-
    inches of torque operators should use when performing the torque check 
    of the cone brake of the center drive unit (CDU). This amendment is 
    prompted by information from the manufacturer that a current 
    requirement of the AD requires clarification.
    
    DATES: Effective August 18, 1995.
        The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
    the regulations was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
    Register as of August 18, 1995 (60 FR 36976, July 19, 1995).
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy Hanowski, Aerospace Engineer, 
    Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
    Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
    Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 227-2684; fax (206) 227-1181.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 22, 1995, the FAA issued AD 95-13-
    12, amendment 39-9292 (60 FR 36976, July 19, 1995), which is applicable 
    to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes. That AD requires tests, 
    inspections, and adjustments of the thrust reverser system. That AD 
    also requires installation of a terminating modification and repetitive 
    follow-on actions. That action was prompted by the identification of a 
    modification that ensures that the level of safety inherent in the 
    original type design of the thrust reverser system is further enhanced. 
    The actions required by that AD are intended to prevent possible 
    discrepancies that exist in the current thrust reverser control system, 
    which could result in inadvertent deployment of a thrust reverser 
    during flight.
        Since the issuance of that AD, the manufacturer has advised the FAA 
    that a torque check value specified in Appendix 1 of the AD requires 
    clarification. The procedures originally provided to the FAA for 
    accomplishment of a torque check of the cone brake of the center drive 
    unit (CDU) indicate that operators should not use more than 130 pound-
    inches of torque when performing the check. While using 130 pound-
    inches of torque would not damage the CDU, the manufacturer has advised 
    the FAA that 100 pound-inches of torque is the appropriate value. 
    Accomplishing the torque check up to 100 pound-inches is intended to 
    identify a CDU having a decaying torque level due to a soft shaft 
    problem, while at the same time not exposing the brake to unnecessarily 
    high torque/stress levels.
        Action is taken herein to clarify this requirement of AD 95-13-12 
    and to correctly add the AD as an amendment to section 39.13 of the 
    Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13).
        The final rule is being reprinted in its entirety for the 
    convenience of affected operators. The effective date remains August 
    18, 1995.
        Since this action only clarifies a current requirement, it has no 
    adverse economic impact and imposes no additional burden on any person. 
    Therefore, notice and public procedures hereon are unnecessary.
    
    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
    
        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
    reference, Safety.
    
    Adoption of the Correction
    
        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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.
    
    
    Sec. 39.13  [Amended]
    
        2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-9292 (60 FR 
    36976, July 19, 1995), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
    (AD), amendment 39-9528, to read as follows:
    
        95-13-12 R1  Boeing: Amendment 39-9528. Docket 94-NM-28-AD. 
    Revises AD 95-13-12, Amendment 39-9292.
    
        Applicability: Model 767 series airplanes equipped with General 
    Electric CF6-80C2 series engines, 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 use the authority 
    provided in paragraph (f) of this AD to request approval from the 
    FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current 
    configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions 
    necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such 
    a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
    configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
    case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
    remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.
        Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
    previously.
        To ensure the integrity of the fail-safe features of the thrust 
    reverser system, accomplish the following:
        (a) Within 30 days after October 15, 1991 (the effective date of 
    AD 91-22-02, amendment 39-8062), perform tests, inspections, and 
    adjustments of the thrust reverser system in accordance with Boeing 
    Service Bulletin 767-78-0047, dated August 22, 1991; Revision 1, 
    dated March 26, 1992; Revision 2, dated January 21, 1993; or 
    Revision 3, dated July 28, 1994. After the effective date of this 
    AD, those actions shall be accomplished only in accordance with 
    Revision 3 of the service bulletin.
        (1) Except as provided by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD, repeat 
    all tests and inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
    3,000 flight hours until the modification required by paragraph (c) 
    of this AD is accomplished.
        (2) Repeat the check of the grounding wire for the Directional 
    Pilot Valve (DPV) of the thrust reverser in accordance with the 
    service bulletin at intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight hours, and 
    whenever maintenance action is taken that would disturb the DPV 
    grounding circuit, until the modification required by paragraph (c) 
    of this AD is accomplished.
        (b) If any of the tests and/or inspections required by paragraph 
    (a) of this AD cannot be successfully performed, or if those tests 
    and/or inspections result in findings that are unacceptable in 
    accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-78-0047, dated August 
    22, 1991; Revision 1, dated March 26, 1992; Revision 2, dated 
    January 21, 1993; or Revision 3, dated July 28, 1994; accomplish 
    paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD. After the effective date of 
    this AD, the actions required by paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) shall 
    be accomplished only in accordance with Revision 3 of the service 
    bulletin.
        (1) Prior to further flight, deactivate the associated thrust 
    reverser in accordance with Section 78-31-1 of Boeing Document 
    D630T002, ``Boeing 767 Dispatch Deviation
    
    [[Page 9093]]
    
    Guide,'' Revision 9, dated May 1, 1991; or Revision 10, dated 
    September 1, 1992. After the effective date of this AD, this action 
    shall be accomplished only in accordance with Revision 10 of the 
    Boeing document. No more than one reverser on any airplane may be 
    deactivated under the provisions of this paragraph.
        (2) Within 10 days after deactivation of any thrust reverser in 
    accordance with this paragraph, the thrust reverser must be repaired 
    in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-78-0047, dated August 
    22, 1991; Revision 1, dated March 26, 1992; Revision 2, dated 
    January 21, 1993; or Revision 3, dated July 28, 1994. After the 
    effective date of this AD, the repair shall be accomplished only in 
    accordance with Revision 3 of the service bulletin. Additionally, 
    the tests and/or inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD 
    must be successfully accomplished; once this is accomplished, the 
    thrust reverser must then be reactivated.
        (c) Within 3 years after the effective date of this AD, install 
    a third locking system on the left- and right-hand engine thrust 
    reversers in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 767-78-0063, 
    Revision 2, dated April 28, 1994.
    
        Note 2: The Boeing service bulletin references General Electric 
    Service Bulletin 78-135 as an additional source of service 
    information for accomplishment of the third locking system on the 
    thrust reversers. However, the Boeing service bulletin does not 
    specify the appropriate revision level for the General Electric 
    service bulletin. The appropriate revision level for the General 
    Electric service bulletin to be used in conjunction with the Boeing 
    service bulletin is Revision 3, dated August 2, 1994.
    
        (d) Within 4,000 flight hours after accomplishing the 
    modification required by paragraph (c) of this AD, or within 4,000 
    flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
    later; and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight hours; 
    perform operational checks of the electro-mechanical brake and the 
    cone brake of the center drive unit in accordance with Appendix 1 
    (including Figure 1) of this AD.
        (e) Accomplishment of the modification and periodic operational 
    checks required by paragraphs (c) and (d) of this AD constitutes 
    terminating action for the tests, inspections, and adjustments 
    required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
        (f) 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Seattle ACO.
    
        (g) 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.
        (h) Certain actions shall be done in accordance with the 
    following Boeing service bulletins, which contain the specified 
    effective pages:
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Service bulletin referenced                                          Revision level                            
               and date                          Page No.                 shown on page       Date shown on page    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    767-78-0047, Revision 1,       1-33................................  1..............  March 26, 1992.           
     March 26, 1992.                                                                                                
    767-78-0047, Revision 2,       1-2, 4, 12-13, 20-32................  2-.............  January 21, 1993.         
     January 21, 1993.                                                                                              
                                   3, 5, 10-11, 14-15, 17-19...........  1..............  March 26, 1992.           
                                   6-9, 16.............................  Original.......  August 22, 1991.          
    767-78-0047, Revision 3, July  1-32................................  3..............  July 28, 1994.            
     28, 1994.                                                                                                      
    767-78-0063, Revision 2,       1-292...............................  2..............  April 28, 1994.           
     April 28, 1994.                                                                                                
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        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, as of August 18, 1995 (60 FR 36976, July 19, 1995). 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.
        (i) This amendment is effective on August 18, 1995.
    
    Appendix 1
    
    Thrust Reverser Electro-Mechanical Brake and CDU Cone Brake Test
    
    1. General
    
    A. This procedure contains steps to do two checks:
        (1) A check of the holding torque of the electro-mechanical 
    brake
        (2) A check of the holding torque of the CDU cone brake.
    
    2. Electroc-Mechanical Brake and CDU Cone Brake Torque Check (Fig. 1)
    
    A. Prepare to do the checks:
        (1) Open the fan cowl panels.
    B. Do a check of the torque of the electro-mechanical brake:
        (1) Do a check of the running torque of the thrust reverser 
    system:
        (a) Manually extend the thrust reverser six inches and measure 
    the running torque.
        (1) Make sure the torque is less than 10 pound-inches.
        (2) Do a check of the electro-mechanical brake holding torque:
        (a) Make sure the thrust reverser translating cowl is extended 
    at least one inch.
        (b) Make sure the CDU lock handle is released.
        (c) Pull down on the manual release handle on the electro-
    mechanical brake until the handle fully engages the retaining clip.
    
        Note: This will lock the electro-mechanical brake.
    
        (d) With the manual drive lockout cover removed from the CDU, 
    install a \1/4\-inch extension tool and dial-type torque wrench into 
    the drive pad.
    
        Note: You will need a 24-inch extension to provide adequate 
    clearance for the torque wrench.
    
        (e) Apply 90 pound-inches of torque to the system.
        (1) The electro-mechanical brake system is working correctly if 
    the torque is reached before you turn the wrench 450 degrees (1\1/4\ 
    turns).
        (2) If the flexshaft turns more than 450 degrees before you 
    reach the specified torque, you must replace the long flexshaft 
    between the CDU and the upper angle gearbox.
        (3) If you do not get 90 pound-inches of torque, you must 
    replace the electro-mechanical brake.
        (f) Release the torque by turning the wrench in the opposite 
    direction until you read zero pound-inches.
        (1) If the wrench does not return to within 30 degrees of 
    initial starting point, you must replace the long flexshaft between 
    the CDU and upper angle gearbox.
        (3) Fully retract the thrust reverser.
    C. Do a check of the torque of the CDU cone brake:
        (1) Pull up on the manual release handle to unlock the electro-
    mechanical brake.
        (2) Pull the manual brake release lever on the CDU to release 
    the cone brake.
    
        Note: This will release the pre-load tension that may occur 
    during a stow cycle.
    
        (3) Return the manual brake release lever to the locked position 
    to engage the cone brake.
        (4) Remove the two bolts that hold the lockout plate to the CDU 
    and remove the lockout plate.
        (5) Install a \1/4\-inch drive and a dial-type torque wrench 
    into the CDU drive pad.
    
    
    [[Page 9094]]
    
    
        Caution: Do not use more than 100 pound-inches of torque when 
    you do this check. Excessive torque will damage the CDU.
    
        (6) Turn the torque wrench to try to manually extend the 
    translating cowl until you get at least 15 pound-inches.
    
        Note: The cone brake prevents movement in the extend direction 
    only. If you try to measure the holding torque in the retract 
    direction, you will get a false reading.
    
        (a) If the torque is less than 15 pound-inches, you must replace 
    the CDU.
    D. Return the airplane to its usual condition:
        (1) Fully retract the thrust reverser.
        (2) Pull down on the manual release handle on the electro-
    mechanical brake until the handle fully engages the retaining clip.
    
        Note: This will lock the electro-mechanical brake.
    
        (3) Close the fan cowl panels.
    
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    [[Page 9095]]
    
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR07MR96.038
    
    
    
    [[Page 9096]]
    
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 27, 1996.
    Darrell M. Pederson,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 96-5253 Filed 3-6-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
8/18/1995
Published:
03/07/1996
Department:
Transportation Department
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule; correction.
Document Number:
96-5253
Dates:
Effective August 18, 1995.
Pages:
9091-9096 (6 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 94-NM-28-AD, Amendment 39-9528, AD 95-13-12 R1
PDF File:
96-5253.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13