AD 2000-15-02 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400 Series Airplanes

Models named: 747-400 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 747-400 series airplanes having line numbers (L/N) 1162 through 1223, except L/N 1174; equipped with horizontal stabilizer fuel tanks; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent damage of certain wire bundles routed to the fuel tank transfer pumps in the horizontal stabilizer, which could result in electrical arcing and a possible fire adjacent to the fuel tank, accomplish the following: One-Time Inspection and Corrective Actions (a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection of wire bundles routed to the fuel tank transfer pumps in the horizontal stabilizer to determine if wire bundles W4601 and W4602 are routed correctly and to detect damage, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2232, Revision 1, dated June 22, 2000. (1) If the wire bundles are routed correctly and no damage is detected, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If either wire bundle is determined to be incorrectly routed, but no damage is detected, prior to further flight, reroute the affected wire bundle in accordance with the alert service bulletin. (3) If any damage is detected (whether the wire bundles are routed properly or not), prior to further flight, repair the affected wire bundle and route the wire bundle correctly, as applicable, in accordance with the alert service bulletin. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” Note 3: Inspections and corrective actions accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2232, dated March 2, 2000, are considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable action specified in this amendment. Alternative Methods of Compliance (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO. Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO. Special Flight Permits (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2232, Revision 1, dated June 22, 2000. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on August 9, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 17, 2000. Vi L. Lipski, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-18522 Filed 7-24-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U