AD 2008-20-01 Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Model 382, 382B, 382E, 382F, and 382G Series Airplanes

Models named: 382, 382B, 382E, 382F, 382G series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all Lockheed Model 382, 382B, 382E, 382F, and 382G 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 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. Service Bulletin Reference (f) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-28-22, Revision 3, dated March 28, 2008. Maintenance Program Revision (g) Before December 16, 2008, revise the FAA-approved maintenance program to incorporate the fuel system limitations (FSLs) and the critical design configuration control limitations (CDCCLs) specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin; except as provided by paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD, and except that the modifications and initial inspections specified in Table 1 of this AD must be done at the compliance time specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. (1) For the CDCCLs specified in paragraphs 2.C.(3)(e), 2.C.(3)(h), 2.C.(4)(a), 2.C.(5)(c), 2.C.(7)(h), and 2.C.(8) of the service bulletin, do the applicable actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-28-19, Revision 3, dated November 30, 2006. (2) Where paragraph 2.C.(1)(c) of the service bulletin specifies to change the maintenance program to indicate that repetitive inspections of the lightning and static bonding jumpers must be done in accordance with Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-28-21, instead do the repetitive inspections in accordance with Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-28-19, Revision 3, dated November 30, 2006. (3) Where the service bulletin specifies to inspect, this AD requires doing a general visual inspection. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “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 from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight 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.” Fuel System Modifications, Initial Inspections, and Repair if Necessary (h) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do the applicable actions specified in Table 1 of this AD, and repair any discrepancy before further flight, in accordance with the service bulletin. Table 1—Modifications and Initial Inspections Action Additional source of service information for accomplishing the action For airplanes having any serial number prior to 4962: Install new, improved fuel dump masts in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(1)(d) of the service bulletin Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-28-9, dated May 13, 1983. Mark the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) wires in accordance with paragraphs 2.C.(1)(a) 2 , 2.C.(4)(b), and 2.C.(4)(c) of the service bulletin Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-28-19, Revision 3, dated November 30, 2006. Do the dry bay zonal inspection and inspect the static ground terminals of the fuel system plumbing in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(1)(a) of the service bulletin Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-28-19, Revision 3, dated November 30, 2006. Install ground fault interrupters (GFIs) and flame arrestors for protection of the fuel system in accordance with paragraphs 2.C.(1)(b) and 2.C.(7)(c) of the service bulletin Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-28-20, Revision 5, dated June 19, 2008. Inspect the GFIs for protection of the fuel system in accordance with paragraph 2.C.(1)(b) 1 of the service bulletin Paragraph 2.C.(2) of the service bulletin. Install the lightning bonding jumpers (straps) in accordance with paragraphs 2.C.(1)(c) and 2.C.(6)(a) of the service bulletin Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-28-21, Revision 2, dated November 20, 2006. Inspect the lightning and static bonding jumpers (straps) in accordance with paragraphs 2.C.(1)(c) of the service bulletin Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-28-19, Revision 3, dated November 30, 2006. Apply a certain sealant to the interior of the main wing fuel tanks; and apply a certain sealant to the all external fuel tank nose caps, mid sections, and tail sections; as applicable; in accordance with paragraphs 2.C.(1)(e) 1 , 2.C.(1)(e) 3 , and 2.C.(7)(i) 1 of the service bulletin Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-28-24, Revision 1, dated November 5, 2007, including the Errata Notice, dated January 7, 2008. No Alternative Inspections, Inspection Intervals, or CDCCLs (i) After accomplishing the actions specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, no alternative inspections, inspection intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless the inspections, intervals, or CDCCLs are approved as an alternative method of compliance in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this AD. No Reporting Requirement (j) Although Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-28-19, Revision 3, dated November 30, 2006, specifies to notify Lockheed of any discrepancies found during inspection, this AD does not require that action. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (k)(1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, ATTN: Robert A. Bosak, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion and Services Branch, ACE-118A, FAA, Atlanta ACO, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone (770) 703-6094; fax (770) 703-6097; 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 Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-28-19, Revision 3, dated November 30, 2006; and Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-28-22, Revision 3, dated March 28, 2008; as applicable; 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 Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Airworthiness Office, Dept. 6A0M, Zone 0252, Column P-58, 86 S. Cobb Drive, Marietta, Georgia 30063. (3) You may review copies of the service information 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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 11, 2008. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-22035 Filed 9-26-08; 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 the potential for ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.