Summary
The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the lubrication passage and link assembly joint in the inboard and outboard flaps of the trailing edge for discrepancies, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD would require new inspections for cracking or severe wear of the bearings of the link assembly, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also require inspecting any link assembly not previously inspected for damage and replacing it with a new assembly if necessary. This proposed AD also ends the existing repetitive inspections for certain airplanes, and extends the repetitive interval for the existing repetitive inspections and the compliance time for the corrective action on certain other airplanes. This proposed AD also provides an optional terminating action that would end the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD results from additional reports indicating fractured bearings of the link assembly joint in the inboard and outboard flaps of the trailing edge. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the bearings in the link assembly joint, which could result in separation of the inboard or outboard flap and consequent loss of control of the airplane.