AD 2008-12-17 Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Model L-1011 Series Airplanes

Models named: L-1011 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all Lockheed Model L-1011 series airplanes, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) according to paragraph (l) of this AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Restatement of Requirements of AD 2001-08-21 Inspection, Replacement, and Installation (f) Within 18 months after June 1, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2001-08-21): Verify the part number (P/N) of the wiring harness conduit and perform a general visual inspection of the fuel level control switch, the fuel level control switch wiring harness, and the wiring harness conduit to detect any visible damage, any wear or chafing, broken or missing O-rings, or indications of electrical arcing, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-094, dated March 3, 2000; or Revision 1, dated June 23, 2006. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.” (g) Prior to further flight after accomplishment of the requirements in paragraph (f) of this AD, accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2), as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-094, dated March 3, 2000; or Revision 1, dated June 23, 2006. (1) Install sleeving over each fuel level control switch wiring harness and install the modified fuel level control switch. (2) If a conduit with P/N 97590-103 is installed, replace the conduit with one having P/N 97590-121, install sleeving over each fuel level control switch wiring harness, and install the modified fuel level control switch. New Requirements of This AD New Inspections, Replacement, and Corrective Actions (h) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a general visual inspection of the fuel level control switch, wiring harness, and wiring harness conduit for any visible damage, wear or chafing, broken or missing O-rings, or indications of electrical arcing; do an inspection to determine the part number of the wiring harness conduit; replace any braided fiberglass sleeving with PVC electrical sleeving over the wiring harness of the fuel level control switch; and do all applicable corrective actions; by accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-094, Revision 1, dated June 23, 2006. The corrective actions must be done before further flight after doing the inspections. Maintenance Program Revision (i) Concurrently with accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Revise the FAA-approved maintenance program to incorporate the information specified in Table 1 of this AD. Table 1.—Fuel System Limitation for Fuel Level Control Switch Task Repetitive Interval Applicability Description Airworthiness limitation instruction (ALI) 120 months All airplanes modified in accordance with Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-094, Revision 1, dated June 23, 2006 General visual inspection of the fuel level control switch, wiring harness, and wiring harness conduit for any visible damage, wear or chafing, broken or missing O-rings, or indications of electrical arcing, in accordance with Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-094, Revision 1, dated June 23, 2006. No Alternative Inspections or Inspection Intervals (j) After accomplishing the action specified in paragraph (i) of this AD, no alternative inspections or inspection intervals may be used unless the inspections or intervals are part of a later revision of Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-094, Revision 1, dated June 23, 2006, that is approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or unless the inspections or intervals are approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD. No Reporting Requirement (k) Although Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-094, Revision 1, dated June 23, 2006, specifies notifying Lockheed of any discrepancies found during the inspection, this AD does not require that action. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (l)(1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) You must use Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-094, dated March 3, 2000; or Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-094, Revision 1, dated June 23, 2006; as applicable; to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-094, Revision 1, dated June 23, 2006, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) On June 1, 2001 (66 FR 21072, April 27, 2001), the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-094, dated March 3, 2000. (3) Contact Lockheed Continued Airworthiness Project Office, Attention: Airworthiness, 86 South Cobb Drive, Marietta, Georgia 30063-0567, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html . Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 5, 2008. Michael J. Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-13277 Filed 6-17-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a design review of the fuel tank systems. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of the fuel level control switch wiring harness, which could cause arcing and result in a fire in the fuel tank.