AD 2008-18-09 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Airplanes

Models named: 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2291, dated September 27, 2007. 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 according to paragraph (k) 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.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Modification (f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the refuel valve control unit for the reserve fuel tanks, by accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2291, dated September 27, 2007. Maintenance Program Revision (g) Concurrently with accomplishing the modification required by paragraph (f) of this AD, revise the FAA-approved maintenance program by incorporating the information specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes: Incorporate AWL No. 28-AWL-20 of Section D of the Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D6-13747-CMR, Revision January 2007, into the FAA-approved maintenance program. (2) For Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes: Incorporate AWL No. 28-AWL-25 of Subsection D of the Boeing 747-400 Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document, D621U400-9, Section 9, Revision 24, dated June 2006, into the FAA-approved maintenance program. No Alternative Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs) (h) After accomplishing the applicable action specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative CDCCLs may be used unless the CDCCLs are approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Terminating Action for Maintenance Program Revision (i) For Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes: Incorporating AWL No. 28-AWL-20 into the FAA-approved maintenance program in accordance with paragraph (g) of AD 2008-10-07, amendment 39-15513, terminates the action required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. (j) For Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes: Incorporating AWL No. 28-AWL-25 into the FAA-approved maintenance program in accordance with paragraph (g)(3) of AD 2008-10-06, amendment 39-15512, terminates the action required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (k)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, ATTN: Sulmo Mariano, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6501; fax (425) 917-6590; has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 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 (l) You must use the service information contained in Table 1 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. (3) You may review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Table 1—Material Incorporated by Reference Service information Revision Date Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2291 Original September 27, 2007. Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D6-13747-CMR January 2007 January 2007. Boeing 747-400 Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document, D621U400-9, Section 9 24 June 2006. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 25, 2008. Dionne Palermo, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-20364 Filed 9-11-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent lightning-induced electrical energy from entering a reserve fuel tank through the refuel valve, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.