2008-04-10: Fuel tank systems

2008-04-10 Boeing: Amendment 39-15382. Docket No. FAA-2007-28382; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-179-AD. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 28, 2008. \n\nAffected ADs \n\n\t(b) None. \n\nApplicability \n\n\t(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727- 100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated in any category. \n\n\tNote 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) according to paragraph (j) of this AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane. \n\nUnsafe Condition \n\n\t(d) This AD results from a design review of the fuel tank systems. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential for ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance \n\n\nactions, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. \n\nCompliance \n\n\t(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. \n\nService Information Reference \n\n\t(f) The term ''Document D6-8766-AWL,'' as used in this AD, means Boeing 727-100/200 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6-8766-AWL, dated March 2006. \n\nMaintenance Program Revision \n\n\t(g) Before December 16, 2008, revise the FAA-approved maintenance program to incorporate the information in the sections specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), and (g)(4) of this AD; except that the initial inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD must be done at the applicable compliance time specified in that paragraph. Accomplishing the revision in accordance with a later revision of Document D6-8766-AWL is an acceptable method of compliance if the revision is approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. \n\t(1) Section A, ''SCOPE'' of Document D6-8766-AWL. \n\t(2) Section B, ''FUEL SYSTEMS AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS,'' of Document D6-8766-AWL. \n\t(3) Section C, ''SYSTEM AWL PAGE FORMAT,'' of Document D6-8766- AWL. \n\t(4) Section D, ''AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS--FUEL SYSTEMS,'' of Document D6-8766-AWL. \n\nInitial Inspection and Repair if Necessary \n\n\t(h) At the later of the compliance times specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, do a detailed inspection of the wire bundles routed over the center fuel tank for damaged clamps, wire chafing,and wire bundles in contact with the surface of the center fuel tank, in accordance with AWL No. 28-AWL-01 of Section D of Document D6-8766-AWL. If any discrepancy is found during the inspection, repair the discrepancy before further flight in accordance with AWL No. 28-AWL-01 of Section D of Document D6-8766- AWL. Accomplishing the actions required by this paragraph in accordance with a later revision of Document D6-8766-AWL is an acceptable method of compliance if the revision is approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO. Accomplishing AWL No. 28-AWL-01 as part of an FAA-approved maintenance program prior to the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD constitutes compliance with the requirements of this paragraph. \n\n\tNote 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: ''An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.'' \n\n\t(1) Prior to the accumulation of 36,000 total flight cycles, or within 120 months since the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness, whichever occurs first. \n\t(2) Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD. \n\nNo Alternative Inspections, Inspection Intervals, or CDCCLs \n\n\t(i) After accomplishing the applicable actions specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, no alternative inspections, inspection intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless the inspections, intervals, or CDCCLs are part of a later revision of Document D6- 8766-AWL that is approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or unless the inspections, intervals, or CDCCLs are approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\t(j)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. \n\t(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. \n\nMaterial Incorporated by Reference \n\n\t(k) You must use Boeing 727-100/200 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6-8766-AWL, dated March 2006, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\t(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. \n\t(3) You may review copies of the service information incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_ regulations/ibr_locations.html.