AD 96-08-05 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400 Series Airplanes Powered by General Electric CF6-80C2 or Pratt & Whitney PW4000 Series Engines

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

Model 747-400 series airplanes powered by General Electric CF6-80C2 or Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series engines; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2185, Revision 1, dated September 21, 1995, and Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28- 2146, dated August 13, 1992; certificated in any category. -Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it. -

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. - To prevent fracturing of the coupling nut, which could result in release of fuel onto the engine cowling and a subsequent fire, accomplish the following: - (a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2), as applicable. - (1) For Model 747-400 series airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2185, Revision 1, dated September 21, 1995: Replace the strut fuel tubes and couplings at engine numbers 1 and 4 with new redesigned (shrouded) couplings, in accordance with that alert service bulletin. - (2) For Model 747-400 series airplanes having variable numbers RT641 through RT650 inclusive, identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2146, dated August 13, 1992: On engine positions 1 and 4 only, install new fuel lines, shrouded fuel line couplings (between the strut mid bulkhead and the wing front spar), and drain lines in accordance with that service bulletin. - (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO. -Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO. -(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. - (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2185, Revision 1, dated September 21, 1995, and Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2146, dated August 13, 1992. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. - (e) This amendment becomes effective on May 23, 1996. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 10, 1996. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 96-9338 Filed 4-22-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U