AD NUMBER: 2013-07-11

PRODUCT: Certain Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes.
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2013-07-11
ACTION: Final Rule

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the product listed above. That AD currently requires inspecting for scribe lines in the skin along lap joints, butt joints, certain external doublers, and the large cargo door hinges, and doing related investigative and corrective actions if necessary.

This new AD adds an inspection for scribe lines where external decals have been applied or removed across lap joints, large cargo door hinges, and external doublers, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by a determination that scribe lines could occur where external decals are installed or removed across lap joints, large cargo door hinges, or external doublers.

The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct scribe lines, which can develop into fatigue cracks in the skin. Undetected fatigue cracks can grow and cause sudden decompression of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective May 20, 2013.

FMI: AD