Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes. This proposal would require one-time inspections to detect cracking of the aft wheel well bulkhead, and corrective actions, if necessary. This proposal also would require modification of the aft wheel well bulkhead. For certain airplanes, this proposal also would require a one-time visual inspection to detect excess sealant covering the outer flange of the side fitting and lower chord and splice area of the aft wheel well bulkhead, and corrective actions, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by a report indicating that numerous fatigue cracks were found in the aft wheel well bulkhead. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent fatigue cracking of the aft wheel well bulkhead, which could result in rapid in-flight decompression of the airplane.