Summary
This document proposes the supersedure of an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 and 767 series airplanes, that currently requires inspection of the door opening thrusters and door opening/snubbing actuators for proper oil quantity, and modification of the off-wing compartment latching assemblies. This action would add a requirement for replacement of the currently installed door opening thrusters with new, improved thrusters for Model 747 series airplanes. This action also would remove Model 767 series airplanes from the applicability of the existing AD. This proposal is prompted by reports indicating that the requirements of the existing AD do not adequately preclude leakage of fluid from the actuators. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent such leakage, which could result in failure of the escape slide to deploy; such failure could delay and possibly jeopardize the successful emergency evacuation of an airplane.