AD 99-24-01 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Tay 620-15, Tay 650-15, and Tay 651-54 Series Turbofan Engines

Rolls-Royce plc (R-R) Tay 620-15, Tay 650-15, and Tay 651-54 series turbofan engines, installed on but not limited to Fokker F.28 Mark 0070 series, Fokker F.28 Mark 0100 series, and Boeing 727 series aircraft modified with STC SA8472SW. Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine 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 engines 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 (b) 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 emergency fuel shutoff cable failure, which could result in the non-operation of the emergency fuel shut-off system in the event of a low pressure shaft failure, accomplish the following: Inspections (a) Perform initial and repetitive visual inspections of the emergency fuel shutoff cable for broken strands or failed cables as follows: (1) Initially inspect the emergency fuel shutoff cable within 1,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD. (i) If the emergency fuel shutoff cable has no strands broken, re-inspect within 1000 hours TIS after the inspection. (ii) If the emergency fuel shutoff cable has 1, 2, or 3 strands broken, re-inspect within 800 hours TIS after the inspection. (iii) If the emergency fuel shutoff cable has 4, 5, or 6 strands broken, replace the cable within 100 hours TIS after the inspection. (iv) If the emergency fuel shutoff cable has 7 or more strands broken, or the cable has failed, replace the cable within 25 hours TIS after the inspection. (2) Thereafter, perform inspections of the emergency fuel shutoff cable and replace the emergency fuel shutoff cable as provided in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD. Note 2: Information on inspection of the emergency fuel shutoff cable and replacement of cables may be found in R-R Service Bulletin (SB) No. Tay 76-1434, Revision 1, dated August 28, 1998, and Maintenance Manual 76-23-00. Alternative Methods of Compliance (b) 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, Engine Certification Office. Operators shall submit their request through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Engine Certification Office. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office. Ferry Flights (c) 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 aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) This amendment becomes effective on January 18, 2000. [[Page 62572]] Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 9, 1999. David A. Downey, Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-29825 Filed 11-16-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P