AD 2011-10-02 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F Series Airplanes Equipped With General Electric CF6-80C2 or Pratt & Whitney PW4000 Series Engines

Models named: 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with General Electric CF6-80C2 series engines or Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series engines, as applicable.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Modification (g) For Model 747-400 and -400F airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney Model PW4000 series engines: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the thrust reverser control system wiring to the FCU in the P252 and P253 thrust reverser relay panels, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-78A2184, Revision 1, dated December 23, 2010. (h) For Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F airplanes equipped with General Electric Model CF6-80C2 series engines: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the thrust reverser control system wiring to the FCU in the P414 and P415 power distribution panels, in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-78-2183, Revision 1, dated December 23, 2010. Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service Information (i) Modifying the thrust reverser control system wiring before the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-78-2183 or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-78A2184, both dated January 12, 2010, as applicable, is acceptable for compliance with the corresponding modification required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. Information may be e-mailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. Related Information (k) For more information about this AD, contact Tung Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6505; fax: 425-917-6590; e-mail: tung.tran@faa.gov. (l) For information about AMOCs, contact Tung Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6505; fax: 425-917-6590; e-mail: tung.tran@faa.gov. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-78-2183, Revision 1, dated December 23, 2010; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-78A2184, Revision 1, dated December 23, 2010; 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 the 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, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an NARA facility, 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 April 20, 2011. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011-10692 Filed 5-10-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by a report of automatic retraction of the leading edge flaps due to indications transmitted to the flap control unit (FCU) from the thrust reverser control system during takeoff. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to prevent automatic retraction of the leading edge flaps during takeoff, which could result in reduced climb performance and consequent collision with terrain and obstacles or forced landing of the airplane.