Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757 Airplanes

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 757 airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the anchor tab of the bulkhead seal assemblies of the wing thermal anti-ice (TAI) system for cracks at certain outboard stations of the left and right wings, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD also provides optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD results from reports of cracks found at the anchor tab of the bulkhead seal assemblies of the wing TAI system. In one incident the anchor tab and bulkhead seal assembly had separated because of the cracks. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the anchor tab of the bulkhead seal assembly, which in icing conditions could result in insufficient airflow to the wing TAI system, subsequent ice on the wings, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Agency Contact: Barbara Mudrovich, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6477; fax (425) 917-6590.