Summary
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-13- 05, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. AD 2007-13-05 currently requires repetitive measurements of the freeplay of the right and left elevators, rudder, and rudder tab, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued AD 2007-13-05, the manufacturer determined that the procedure for the rudder freeplay inspection does not properly detect excessive freeplay in the rudder control load loop. This proposed AD would require repetitive freeplay inspections and lubrication of the right and left elevators, rudder, and rudder tab; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct flutter, which can cause damage to the control surface structure and consequent loss of control of the airplane.