AD 98-20-37 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, -200, and -300 Series Airplanes

Models named: 747-100, -200, -300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 747-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes; having cabin attendant's panels installed at doors 1 and 3 right; 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 [[Page 52589]] 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 the installation and use of switches in the cabin attendant's panels at doors 1 right and 3 right that could short circuit when they fail, and consequently cause fire and smoke aboard the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 14 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the passenger entertainment switches and the passenger service system power switches, as applicable, in the cabin attendant's panels located at doors 1 right and 3 right, with new, improved switches, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-33A2261, Revision 1, dated June 4, 1998. (b) As of 14 months after the effective date of this AD, no person shall install at doors 1 right and 3 right of any airplane a switch in a cabin attendant's panel having a part number identified in the ``Old Switch'' column of any table contained in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-33A2261, Revision 1, dated June 4, 1998. (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 2: 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 replacement shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-33A2261, Revision 1, dated June 4, 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 November 5, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 22, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-25952 Filed 9-30-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U 10