AD 98-14-17 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes

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

Model 747 series airplanes, line positions 001 through 971 inclusive; 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 (c) 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 potential failures within the electrical motor assembly of the scavenge pump, which could result in leakage of fuel from the electrical connector into the main landing gear wheel well, electrical arcing within the scavenge pump motor, or a fuel fire in the wheel well; accomplish the following: (a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time inspection to determine the part number (P/N) of the installed scavenge pump motor-impeller unit, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2215, dated May 14, 1998. (1) If the P/N is neither Boeing P/N 60B92403-5 nor Lear Romec P/N RR24680, no further action is required by this AD. [[Page 36838]] (2) If the P/N is either Boeing P/N 60B92403-5 or Lear Romec P/N RR24680, prior to further flight, accomplish paragraph either (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this AD. (i) Replace the scavenge pump with a new or serviceable scavenge pump having P/N 60B92403-12, -13, or -18 (Intertechnique); or with a new or serviceable scavenge pump having P/N 60B92403-51 (Lear Romec). (ii) Deactivate the scavenge pump. The airplane may be operated with the scavenge pump deactivated, in accordance with the provisions and limitations specified in the operator's FAA-approved Master Minimum Equipment List. Note 2: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2215, dated May 14, 1998, refers to the 747 Dispatch Deviation Guide as another source of service information for deactivation of the scavenge pump. (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any airplane a scavenge pump having either Boeing P/N 60B92403-5 or Lear Romec P/N RR24680. (c) 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO. (d) 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. (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2215, dated May 14, 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 23, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 30, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-17951 Filed 7-7-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U