AD 97-26-07 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes

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

All Model 747 series airplanes, 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 (h) 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 detect and correct abrasion of the Teflon sleeving and wires in the bundles of the fuel boost pumps for the numbers 1 and 4 main fuel tanks and of the auxiliary tank jettison pumps (if installed), which could result in electrical arcing between the wires and the aluminum conduit and consequent fire or explosion of the fuel tank, accomplish the following: (a) Perform an initial inspection to detect damage of the sleeving and wire bundles of the forward and aft boost pumps of the numbers 1 and 4 main fuel tanks, and of the wire bundles of the auxiliary tank jettison pumps (if installed), in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2204, dated December 19, 1996, or Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2204, Revision 1, dated October 30, 1997, at the time specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For airplanes having line numbers 001 through 432 inclusive: Inspect within 120 days after January 21, 1997 (the effective date of AD 96-26-06, amendment 39-9870). (2) For airplanes having line numbers 433 and subsequent: Inspect at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this AD. (i) Prior to the accumulation of 20,000 flight cycles or 60,000 flight hours, whichever occurs first; or (ii) Within 120 days after the effective date of this AD. (b) Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 20,000 flight cycles or 60,000 flight hours since the last inspection, whichever occurs first. (c) If any damaged sleeving is found, prior to further flight, replace the sleeving with new sleeving in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2204, dated December 19, 1996, or Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2204, Revision 1, dated October 30, 1997. (d) If any damaged wire is found, prior to further flight, repair or replace the wire with a new wire in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2204, dated December 19, 1996, or Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2204, Revision 1, dated October 30, 1997. (e) If any burned wire is found, prior to further flight, perform an inspection to detect damage of the conduit, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2204, dated December 19, 1996, or Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2204, Revision 1, dated October 30, 1997. If any damage is found, prior to further flight, replace the conduit with a serviceable conduit in accordance with either of the service bulletins. After the effective date of this AD, only Revision 1 of this service bulletin shall be used. (f) For airplanes having line numbers 433 and subsequent: Within 14 days after accomplishing the initial inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, submit a report of any damaged sleeving (i.e., holes, breaks, cuts, splits), damaged wire (i.e., worn or cracked insulation, exposed conductor, indication of arcing/ burning), or damaged conduit to the Manager, Seattle Aircraft [[Page 65355]] Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, WA 98055-4056; fax (425) 227-1181. The report shall include the information specified in paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), (f)(3), (f)(4), and (f)(5) of this AD. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (1) The airplane serial number. (2) The total hours time-in-service accumulated on the airplane. (3) The total number of flight cycles accumulated on the airplane. (4) A description of any damage found. (5) The location of where the damaged part was installed. (g) For airplanes having line numbers 433 and subsequent: Within 14 days after accomplishing the initial inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, submit any damaged part to the Manager, Seattle ACO. The damaged part shall be tagged to include the information specified in paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), (f)(3), (f)(4), and (f)(5) of this AD. Additionally, operators shall align the inner sleeving, outer sleeving, and wire as installed in the airplane, and secure the sleeving and wiring in place by taping or other means when submitting the damaged part to the Manager, Seattle ACO. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the OMB under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (h) 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 ACO. 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. (i) 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. (j) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2204, dated December 19, 1996, or Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2204, Revision 1, dated October 30, 1997. (1) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28A2204, Revision 1, dated October 30, 1997, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2204, dated December 19, 1996, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of January 21, 1997 (62 FR 304, January 3, 1997). (3) 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. (k) This amendment becomes effective on December 29, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 9, 1997. John J. Hickey, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-32611 Filed 12-11-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P