Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757 Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 757 series airplanes, that currently requires repetitive freeplay checks of the elevator, and replacement of worn elevator power control actuator (PCA) reaction link rod-end bearings and the PCA rod-end bearing, if necessary. That AD also provides for an optional terminating action for the repetitive checks. This amendment removes the optional terminating action provided by the existing AD, expands the applicability of the existing AD to include additional airplanes, and requires repetitive freeplay checks of the elevator at a revised repeat interval and repetitive lubrication of bearings of the elevator actuator load loop and hinge line. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent unacceptable airframe vibration during flight, which could lead to excessive wear of bearings of the elevator PCA load loop and hinge line and result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.