AD 2008-19-04 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 Series Airplanes Equipped With Rolls-Royce Model RB211-TRENT 800 Series Engines

Models named: 777-200, -300 series, RB211-TRENT 800 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category; equipped with Rolls-Royce Model RB211-TRENT 800 series engines.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision (f) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations section of the AFM to include the following statement. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM. “On ground, after refueling, check fuel temperature if fuel temperature indication is operative. If fuel temperature is colder than 0 degrees C or if fuel temperature indication is inoperative, verify that a record exists certifying that the approved fuel circulation procedure was performed. “Perform all step climbs using VNAV or maximum climb thrust. “In flight, within 3 hours of top of descent, but not less than 15 minutes before top of descent, check fuel temperature. If fuel temperature is colder than −10 degrees C, perform a step climb using maximum climb thrust. If a step climb using maximum climb thrust cannot be accomplished, verify cruise speed is set to 0.84 Mach or less, and manually advance thrust levers to maximum (autothrottles may be overridden). After reaching maximum climb thrust, hold for 10 seconds or until reaching 0.86 Mach, whichever occurs first. Check engines to ensure they have achieved maximum climb thrust and operate normally.” Fuel Circulation Procedure (g) As of 10 days after the effective date of this AD: If the fuel temperature has not exceeded 0 degrees Celsius during the ground turn, before further flight, using the main tank fuel boost pumps, pump fuel through the fuel manifold using the high flow mode for a minimum of one minute. A certified mechanic must do the fuel circulation procedure required by this paragraph using a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. (h) Before further flight after accomplishing the action required by paragraph (g) of this AD, make a record in which the person accomplishing the procedure certifies that it was accomplished in accordance with the approved method, and provide the record to the flightcrew. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. Special Flight Permit (i) Special flight permits, as described in section 21.197 and section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199), are not allowed. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, ATTN: Margaret Langsted, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6500; 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 (k) None. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 5, 2008. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-21138 Filed 9-11-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a report of the uncommanded reduction in thrust on both engines because of reduced fuel flows. We are issuing this AD to prevent ice from accumulating in the main tank fuel feed system, which, when released, could result in a restriction in the engine fuel system. Such a restriction could result in failure to achieve a commanded thrust, and consequent forced landing of the airplane.