Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-13-01 for certain The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. AD 2003-13-01 required an inspection to detect cracks and fractures of the outboard hinge fitting assemblies on the trailing edge of the inboard main flap, and follow-on and corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, AD 2003-13-01 required an inspection to determine if a tool runout option has been performed in the area. This new AD reduces certain compliance times, adds airplanes to the applicability, and provides optional terminating action for certain inspections. This AD was prompted by reports of hinge assembly fractures found before certain required compliance times in AD 2003-13-01. We are issuing this AD to prevent the inboard aft flap from separating from the wing and potentially striking the airplane, which could result in damage to the surrounding structure and potential personal injury.