Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. That AD currently requires replacement of the existing deactivation pin, aft cascade pin bushing, and pin insert on each thrust reverser half with new, improved components. This new AD requires a dye penetrant inspection for cracking of the rivet holes of the bushing plate and repair or replacement, if necessary; and for certain airplanes, replacing the existing bushing with a new bushing and deactivation pin, and installing a new or serviceable stowage bracket for the deactivation pins on all airplanes powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D series engines. This AD was prompted by reports that certain airplanes require installation of a new bushing and deactivation pin with increased load carrying capability and all airplanes powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D series engines require installation of a new bracket for stowing the deactivation pin. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the thrust reverser deactivation pins, which could fail to prevent a deployment of a deactivated thrust reverser in flight and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Agency Contact: Rebel Nichols, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425- 917-6509; fax: 425-917-6590; email: rebel.nichols@faa.gov.