2003-03-21: Flexible Fuel Tubes

2003-03-21 Pratt & Whitney Canada: Amendment 39-13046. Docket No. 2002-NE-45-AD. Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) PW530A, PW535A, and PW545A turbofan engines with flexible fuel tubes part numbers (P/N's) 30J2285-01, 3054416-01, and 30J2323-01 installed. These engines are installed on, but not limited to Cessna Citation model 550 "Bravo", model 560XL "Excel", and model 560 "Encore" airplanes. Note 1: This 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 (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. Compliance: Compliance with this AD is required within 50 flight hours, but no later than 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, unless already done. To prevent a fire in the engine nacelle, do the following: (a) Replace flexible fuel tubes P/N's 30J2285-01 (PW530A engines), 3054416-01 (PW535A engines), and 30J2323-01 (PW545A engines) with flexible fuel tubes P/N's 30J2578-01, 3058704-01, and 30J2579-01 respectively; or (b) Perform a one-time visual external and internal inspection of flexible fuel tubes P/N's 30J2285-01 (PW530A engines), 3054416-01 (PW535A engines), and 30J2323-01 (PW545A engines), and fuel tube part number re-marking, in accordance with paragraphs 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(8) of the Accomplishment Instructions of PWC SB PW500-72-30217, Revision 1, dated July 29, 2002. Alternative Methods of Compliance (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, Engine Certification Office. Operators must submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Engine Certification Office. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office. Special Flight Permits (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 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 done. Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference (e) The tube inspection or replacement must be done in accordance with Pratt & Whitney Canada Service Bulletin PW500-72-30217, Revision 1, dated July 29, 2002. 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 Pratt & Whitney Canada, 1000 Marie-Victorin, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada J4G1A1. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada airworthiness directive CF-2002-42, dated September 30, 2002. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on February 20, 2003.