98-13-12 BOEING: Amendment 39-10600. Docket 98-NM-156-AD.

Applicability: Model 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777 series airplanes; as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 737-27A1212, 747-27A2368, 757-27A0128, 767-27A0156, and 777-27A0029; all dated March 26, 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 (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.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent loss of rudder control, jamming of the rudder system, uncommanded movement of the rudder system, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, due to loose or missing fasteners that connect the pushrods to the rudder pedal assemblies, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time inspection to detect discrepancies of the fasteners that connect the forward ends of the pushrods to the rudder pedal assemblies; in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1212, 747-27A2368, 757-27A0128, 767-27A0156, or 777-27A0029, all dated March 26, 1998, as applicable.

(1) If no discrepancy is detected, no further action is required by this AD.

(2) If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, perform the applicable corrective action in accordance with the applicable alert service bulletin.

(b) Submit a report of inspection findings (discrepant findings only) to the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; fax (425) 227-1181; and to the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, Attention: Manager, Airline Support, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD. The report must include a description of any discrepancy found, the airplane serial number, and the total number of landings and flight hours accumulated on the airplane. Discrepant findings include, but are not limited to, loose or missing fasteners, inadequately torqued fasteners, and fasteners incorrectly installed on the pedal assemblies or pushrod bearing surfaces. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

(1) For airplanes on which the inspection is accomplished after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after performing the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD.

(2) For airplanes on which the inspection has been accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD.

(c) 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 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.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO.

(d) 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.

(e) The actions shall be done in accordance with:

• Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1212, dated March 26, 1998;
• Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-27A2368, dated March 26, 1998;
• Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0128, dated March 26, 1998;
• Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0156, dated March 26, 1998;
• Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-27A0029, dated March 26, 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.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on July 6, 1998.

R.C. Jones, 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) 227-1118; fax (425) 227-1181.