2016-13051: Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Summary

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes equipped with Rolls-Royce Model RB211-Trent 800 engines. This AD was prompted by reports of thrust reverser (T/R) events related to thermal damage of the T/R inner wall. Depending on the airplane configuration, this AD requires a records review and applicable repetitive inspections, replacements, and installations of the T/R inner wall; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires installation of serviceable T/R halves, which would terminate the repetitive actions. This AD also requires revising the inspection or maintenance program by incorporating new airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a degraded T/R inner wall panel. A degraded T/R inner wall panel could lead to failure of the T/R and adjacent components and their consequent separation from the airplane, which could result in a rejected takeoff (RTO) and cause asymmetric thrust and consequent loss of control of the airplane during reverse thrust operation. If a T/R inner wall overheats, separated components could cause structural damage to the airplane, damage to other airplanes, or possible injury to people on the ground.

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 1 part of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

• 14 CFR 39 Airworthiness Directives