AD 2002-24-52 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F Series Airplanes

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

All Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To require the flightcrew to maintain certain minimum fuel levels in the center fuel tanks, and to prohibit the use of the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank, accomplish the following: Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision: Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F (a) For Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes: Within 4 days after receipt of emergency AD 2002-24-51, instead of complying with the requirements of paragraph (d) of AD 2002-24-51, revise the Limitations Section of the AFM to include the following (this may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM): Certificate Limitations Fueling and use of the horizontal stabilizer tank (if installed) is prohibited. The center wing tank (CWT) must contain a minimum of 17,000 pounds (7,700 kilograms) prior to engine start, if the CWT override/jettison pumps are to be selected On during flight. The CWT fuel quantity indication system must be operative to dispatch with CWT mission fuel. Both CWT override/jettison pump switches must be selected Off at or before CWT fuel quantity reaches 7,000 pounds (3,200 kilograms), if CWT fuel quantity is less than 50,000 pounds (22,700 kilograms) prior to engine start. The CWT override pumps may be selected ON during stabilized cruise conditions. Both CWT override/jettison pump switches must be selected Off at or before the CWT fuel quantity reaches 3,000 pounds (1,400 kilograms). Note With CWT override/jettison pumps selected Off and CWT fuel quantity greater than 6,000 pounds (2,800 kilograms), the FUEL OVRD CTR L & R EICAS messages will be displayed. Do not accomplish the associated non-normal procedure. Both CWT override/jettison pump switches must be selected Off at or before CWT fuel quantity reaches 3,000 pounds (1,400 kilograms), if CWT fuel quantity is greater than or equal to 50,000 pounds (22,700 kilograms) prior to engine start. Both CWT override/jettison pumps must be selected Off when either CWT override/jettison fuel pump low pressure light illuminates. Warning Do not reset a tripped fuel pump circuit breaker. Warning Do not cycle CWT override/jettison pump switches from On to Off to On with any continuous low pressure indication present. Note The center wing tank may be emptied normally during an emergency fuel jettison. Note In a low fuel situation, both CWT override/jettison pumps may be selected On and all CWT fuel may be used. If a center wing tank pump fails with fuel in the center tank, accomplish the FUEL OVRD CTR L, R non-normal procedure. If the main tanks are not full, the zero fuel gross weight of the airplane plus the weight of CWT tank fuel may exceed the maximum zero fuel gross weight by up to 7,000 pounds (3,200 kilograms) for takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, and landing, provided that the effects of balance (CG) have been considered. When defueling any fuel tanks, the Fuel Pump Low Pressure indication lights must be monitored and the fuel pumps positioned to Off at the first indication of fuel pump low pressure. Defueling with passengers on board is prohibited. The limitations contained in this AD supersede any conflicting basic airplane flight manual limitations.” (b) If an operator has already complied with AD 2002-24-51, it can comply with this AD by deleting the phrase “if a placard prohibiting its use is installed” from the first paragraph of the AFM revision required by paragraph (d) of AD 2002-24-51. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c)(1) 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. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Operations Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO. (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in accordance with AD 2002-19-52, amendment 39-12900, are not considered to be approved as alternative methods of compliance with this AD. Note 1: 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 (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 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. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on January 6, 2003, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 2002-24-52, issued on November 24, 2002, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 23, 2002. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-32884 Filed 12-31-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P