Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F Series Airplanes

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. That AD currently requires inspections for fatigue cracking of the horizontal stabilizer pivot bulkhead, and repetitive inspections or other follow-on actions. That action also provides a permanent repair, which is optional for airplanes with no cracks, and, if accomplished, ends the repetitive inspections. For airplanes on which the permanent repair is not installed, this new AD requires repetitive inspections of the same and additional inspection locations at new inspection intervals; a one-time torque test; and related investigative and corrective actions. For airplanes on which the permanent repair is installed, this new AD would require repetitive inspections of the repaired area and, if necessary, corrective action. This AD is prompted by reports of loose tension bolts and crack indications in the fuselage skin. We are issuing this AD to find and fix fatigue cracking of the horizontal stabilizer pivot bulkhead and adjacent structure, which could result in loss of the horizontal stabilizer.