AD 2005-16-07 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes

Models named: 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-200, 727-200F series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all Boeing Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated in any category.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspection for Float Switches (f) Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the wing and auxiliary fuel tanks to determine if any float switches are present. Instead of an inspection of the fuel tanks, a review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable if the presence of any float switch can be conclusively determined from that review. (1) If no float switches are present: No further work is required by this paragraph. (2) If any float switch is present: Before further flight, inspect to identify the float switch models. Instead of an inspection of the fuel tanks, a review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable if the identity of the float switch can be conclusively determined from that review. (i) If a float switch other than an Ametek Model F8300-146 float switch is installed: Before further flight, install a liner system inside the float switch electrical cable conduit in the fuel tanks by doing all applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0127, dated August 26, 2004. (ii) If any Ametek Model F8300-146 float switch is installed: Before further flight, replace it with a new switch and install a liner system inside the float switch electrical cable conduit in the fuel tanks, by doing all applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0127, dated August 26, 2004. Note 1: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0127 segregates the work into nine work packages for the six fuel tank configurations identified in the service bulletin. The work packages do not have to be completed sequentially. Each work package can be done independently or simultaneously. However, all work packages, as applicable for each fuel tank configuration, must be done to complete the requirements of this AD. Parts Installation (g) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an Ametek Model F8300-146 float switch in a fuel tank on any airplane. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0127, dated August 26, 2004, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207 for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 29, 2005. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-15587 Filed 8-8-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports of contamination of the fueling float switch by moisture or fuel, and chafing of the float switch wiring against the fuel tank conduit. We are issuing this AD to prevent such contamination and chafing, which could present an ignition source inside the fuel tank that could cause a fire or explosion.