AD 98-10-10 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 and 767 Series Airplanes

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

Model 747 series airplanes, line positions 0001 through 1145 inclusive, that have not been inspected in accordance with AD 96-26-06, amendment 39-9870 (reference Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2204, dated December 19, 1996), or AD 97-26-07, amendment 39-10250 (reference Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747- 28A2204, Revision 1, dated October 30, 1997); and Model 767 series airplanes, line positions 001 through 689 inclusive, and 691; 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 specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent chafing of the wire insulation inside conduits installed in the fuel tanks, which could eventually expose the electrical conductor creating the potential for arcing from the wire to the conduit, and consequent fuel tank fire/explosion, accomplish the following: (a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time visual inspection to confirm installation of Teflon sleeves over the electrical wires to the boost pumps installed inside conduits in the numbers 1 and 4 main fuel tanks (for Model 747 series airplanes), or in the main and center wing tanks (for Model 767 series airplanes), as applicable, in accordance with Boeing Message M-7200-98-01080, dated March 18, 1998. (b) If any Teflon sleeve is found to be missing during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, inspect to detect damage to the wires, in accordance with Boeing Message M-7200-98-01080, dated March 18, 1998. (1) If no damage is found, prior to further flight, install a Teflon sleeve in accordance with the message. (2) If any damage is found, prior to further flight, inspect to detect damage to the conduits in accordance with the message. (i) If no damage is found, prior to further flight, replace any damaged wire and install a Teflon sleeve in accordance with the message. (ii) If any damage is found, prior to further flight, replace any damaged wire and conduit and install a Teflon sleeve, in accordance with the messsage. Note 2: Boeing Message M-7200-98-01080, dated March 18, 1998, refers to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2204 as an additional source of service information. (c) Within 10 days after finding any damage during any inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, send damaged wiring and conduits and submit a report to the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; fax (425) 227- 1181. The report must include the following: The airplane model number; The airplane line position; The total number of hours time-in-service accumulated on the airplane; [[Page 26066]] The total number of flight cycles accumulated on the airplane; A description of the area of the wiring where the sleeving was missing; and A description of the damage found. 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. (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 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 3: 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) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Message M-7200-98-01080, dated March 18, 1998. 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 May 27, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 5, 1998. John J. Hickey, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-12512 Filed 5-11-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U