AD 97-22-04 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 and 767 Series Airplanes Equipped With General Electric (GE) CF6-80C2 Engines

Models named: 747 series, 767 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 747 series airplanes having line positions 679 through 1117 inclusive, and Model 767 series airplanes having line positions 158 through 661 inclusive; equipped with General Electric (GE) CF6-80C2 engines, on which dribble flow fuel nozzles (DFFN's) having General Electric part number 9331M72P33, 9331M72P34, or 9331M72P41, have been installed; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 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 (d) 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 engine flameout and consequent shutdown due to the use of JP-4 or Jet B fuel, accomplish the following: (a) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, revise Section 1 of the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following procedures. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM. (1) Revise paragraph 1 of the Engine Fuel System section to read as follows: ``The fuel designation is General Electric (GE) Specification D50TF2, as revised. Fuel conforming to commercial jet fuel specification ASTM-D-1655, Jet A, and Jet A-1 are authorized for unlimited use in this engine. Fuels conforming to MIL-T-5624 grade JP-5 and MIL-T-83113 grade JP-8 are acceptable alternatives. The engine will operate satisfactorily with any of the foregoing fuels or any mixture thereof.'' And, (2) Add the following sentence to paragraph 2 of the Engine Fuel System section: ``The use of Jet B and JP-4 fuel is prohibited.'' (b) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, in accordance with either Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747- 11A2052 (for Model 747 series airplanes) or 767-11A0031, (for Model 767 series airplanes), both dated September 11, 1997; as applicable. (1) Remove the existing placard on the door of the fueling control panel and replace it with a new placard that restricts the use of JP-4 and Jet B fuels (wide cut fuels), in accordance with the applicable alert service bulletin. Or (2) Remove the DFFN's, and replace them with standard fuel nozzles, in accordance with the applicable alert service bulletin. When an operator's entire fleet has had all DFFN's replaced with standard fuel nozzles, the AFM revision required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be removed from the AFM and the placard required by paragraph (b)(1) of this AD may be removed from each airplane. (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install any DFFN's having General Electric part number 9331M72P33, 9331M72P34, or 9331M72P41, on any airplane, unless the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this AD have been accomplished. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) Except as provided by paragraph (a) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747- 11A2052, dated September 11, 1997, or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-11A0031, dated September 11, 1997, as applicable. 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. (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 12, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 17, 1997. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-28317 Filed 10-27-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U